Most Cannabis License Pre-Approval Applicants Are Not Minnesotans

Over 1,800 Applications Filed for Minnesota Cannabis Licenses

Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management reports more than 1,800 applications for its cannabis business license lottery. The applications, submitted by individuals and businesses hoping to enter the burgeoning industry, will be processed once the necessary infrastructure is in place.

Microbusiness Category Highly Competitive

Angela Dawson, CEO of Bold North, is one of nearly 600 applicants in the competitive “microbusiness” category, vying for 100 pre-licenses. Dawson, who described her application as a complex 50-page document, expressed relief at completing the process but remains anxious about the outcome.

Concerns Over Out-of-State Applicants

Dawson is concerned about the impact of out-of-state applicants on Minnesota’s local craft industry. While less than half of the 1,817 applicants are Minnesota residents, Josh Collins from the Office of Cannabis Management explained that there is no residency requirement in state statutes. However, the application process included social equity criteria to filter out large corporations.

Future Uncertainty for Local Entrepreneurs

As Dawson prepares to launch her business, she faces uncertainty about whether she will secure a license. The Office of Cannabis Management plans to scrutinize ownership at the individual level to prevent large corporations from dominating the market. Dawson’s company, Bold North, aims to be both a cultivator and retailer of marijuana, but the delay in licensing is causing hesitation in investment.