ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s legal cannabis market took a major step forward Thursday, June 5, as 249 prospective business owners were selected in a highly anticipated license lottery.
The winners — drawn from a live stream hosted by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management — now have the green light to move ahead with licensing to operate as cannabis manufacturers, cultivators, retailers, or mezzo-businesses.
“This is an exciting day for Minnesotans,” said Josh Collins, communications director for the Office of Cannabis Management. “These 249 businesses who are selected in the lottery … are really now headed off on their final steps that they need to take before they can open their doors.”
Collins said Friday that the state learned from issues faced by others and pivoted away from a point-based scoring system to a randomized lottery. That change was made during the 2024 legislative session to create a more equitable and transparent process.
The majority of Thursday’s licenses were awarded to social equity applicants — including individuals with prior cannabis-related convictions and military veterans — as part of the state’s effort to prioritize those disproportionately affected by past marijuana laws.
But Thursday’s drawing isn’t the end. A second lottery is scheduled for July 22 for both social equity applicants who weren’t chosen and general applicants hoping to secure one of 75 available retail licenses. More opportunities to enter the growing market are expected as the state rolls out the cannabis industry in phases.
“This is not a one-time opportunity,” Collins added. “It’s the start of a booming new market, and it’s about building a local cannabis economy that serves all Minnesotans.”
Those selected must still complete final regulatory steps before officially opening for business.
