Study Shows, Minnesota Needs 375 Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary

Journal

Jan 23

Written By Damian Nicholas

State mandate will require the OCM to issue at least 381 retail licenses.

Cannabis | Minnesota

Words by Damian Nicholas

SHELBY IRELAND/UNSPLASH

Minnesota regulators say that the state's now developing recreational cannabis market will require more than 375 licensed dispensaries– as they work to streamline the cannabis licensing approval process. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is required to issue one dispensary per 12,500 residents, a requirement under the legalization bill signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz in May.

The OCM released a report last week gauging cannabis consumers and demand in Minnesota– prompting the state mandate that will require The agency to issue at least 375 retail licenses for state compliance.

On Jan.16 The OCM sent an annual report to the legislature. The report recommends improving and strengthening the Social Equity licenses program– in addition to consolidating medical and adult-use cannabis into one single supply chain from the point of cultivation. The agency further recommends eliminating the requirement for real estate during the initial application process, removing local municipalities from the business licensing process, and issuing temporary licenses for social equity applicants.