Regulators reviewing pre-approval cannabis license applications

State regulators are reviewing more than 1,800 applications for the first cannabis “pre-approval licenses” in Minnesota. Office of Cannabis Management interim director Charlene Briner says they plan to award around 250 licenses to social equity applicants.

The licensing team is working through those “methodically,” according to Briner, and once the review is complete, will prepare to hold a lottery and begin to issue the first licenses. Those applicants could start cannabis cultivation this year. Once the rules are finalized, all other applicants will be able to apply during the “general” licensing round.