Minnesota took another major step toward building its adult-use cannabis industry this week. On Tuesday, July 22nd, the state held its second lottery to issue cannabis retailer licenses — a move that marks continued momentum in rolling out the regulated market.
Using random number-generating software, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) selected 75 license recipients from a pool of 569 eligible applicants. These applicants included both general candidates and those applying under social equity provisions, which are designed to ensure that communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis laws are given fair opportunities in the legal market.
The selection process was fully randomized, with each applicant having been previously assigned a number. These numbers were drawn during the lottery and matched to applications to determine the winners. The results — that is, the application numbers of the 75 selected — are available to the public on the OCM’s official website. For those interested, a recording of the lottery drawing is also accessible online.
This second round of licensing represents progress in the state’s effort to create a broad and inclusive cannabis market following the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2023. With this lottery, more entrepreneurs — particularly those from communities impacted by previous criminalization — have the opportunity to participate in what is expected to be a robust and growing industry.
By reserving some licenses for qualifying individuals, the state aims to address historical injustices tied to cannabis prohibition, such as high arrest rates and economic disparities in certain communities.
The OCM has emphasized transparency and fairness throughout the licensing process. Random lotteries, as opposed to subjective application scoring, help eliminate bias and give every eligible applicant a fair shot. Still, receiving a lottery selection is just one step — selected applicants must now complete the necessary requirements to be granted full licensure and begin operations.
As Minnesota continues to build out its adult-use cannabis infrastructure, future license lotteries are expected. This will create even more opportunities for small business owners, job seekers, and investors looking to enter the state’s newest legal market.
With the latest draw complete, anticipation is growing for when licensed retailers will open their doors to the public. In the meantime, the state continues laying regulatory groundwork, ensuring that Minnesota’s cannabis rollout is not only successful but also equitable and sustainable.
To view the list of selected applicants or watch the lottery replay, visit the Office of Cannabis Management’s website.
