Historic Moment: First Legal Weed Biz Now Official In Minnesota

Minnesotans have been patiently waiting for the state to roll out legal cannabis sales since the law was passed in 2023, and this week the state hit a huge landmark moment on its long journey.

Minnesota is on track to become the third-slowest state to begin recreational cannabis sales, but this week marked a historic milestone that many have long anticipated.

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Cannabis Milestone in Minnesota

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, the agency regulating cannabis in the state, just had its first lottery for cannabis licenses for cannabis manufacturers, cultivators, retailers, and mezzo-businesses. 249 licenses were granted, and those winners then had to complete some final steps before the actual license was issued.

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First Business License Issued

Of the 249 license winners, one raced to the finish line and just got the first official cannabis business license from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.

Herb Quest, LLC, a microbusiness based in Brook Park, Pine County, is the state's first licensed cannabis business. According to a press release, their focus is on outdoor cultivation of cannabis plants.

OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel said, "Issuing the first business license is a major milestone for the office. We are now seeing the first pieces of Minnesota’s adult-use market fall into place."

What's Next for Cannabis in Minnesota

The state will be conducting another license lottery on July 22. This round will also give social equity applicants not selected in the first lottery a second chance. The state will also start accepting cannabis testing and cannabis event applications starting on August 1st.