Minnesota's cannabis industry just took a massive leap forward with the first round of cannabis retail licenses officially awarded through a state-run lottery. For a lucky few, the draw marked the beginning of a potentially life-changing journey—one that could turn hemp shop owners into full-scale cannabis entrepreneurs.
On Thursday, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management held its highly anticipated license lottery. Out of 776 applicants, only about one-third were selected to receive licenses that will allow them to cultivate, manufacture, or sell cannabis legally. The winners include a diverse group of social equity applicants—veterans, individuals from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, and those previously impacted by cannabis-related charges under outdated marijuana laws.
One of the standout winners was Nik Ron, a veteran and owner of Warrior’s Garden. His small hemp shop in St. Paul will soon transform into a full-fledged cannabis retail store. For Ron, the victory wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was the culmination of two years of hard work and planning. With dreams of opening five retail stores, Ron also dedicates a portion of his business profits to a nonprofit that supports veterans suffering from PTSD. His win represents not only business success but also a meaningful step forward in community healing and empowerment.
While the lottery is a huge step, it's only the beginning. Each winner must now clear several hurdles before they can open for business. These include developing business and security plans, gaining local zoning approvals, and passing inspections by the Office of Cannabis Management. To keep up with demand, the agency is ramping up its inspection capacity.
Ron is aiming to open by August 1st—a bold timeline that he admits may be ambitious, but he’s eager to get cannabis products on the shelves as quickly as possible.
But not everyone walked away a winner. More than 500 applicants were left out in this round. However, hope is not lost. Another retail license lottery is scheduled for July, this time targeting applicants who wish to open multiple stores. Additionally, those who missed out can still apply for microbusiness licenses, which allow for smaller-scale cultivation, manufacturing, or a single retail location. Importantly, there's no cap on the number of microbusiness licenses available, offering a valuable second chance for many.
As Minnesota moves closer to a legal, regulated cannabis market, the recent lottery marks a major milestone. With social equity at the forefront and entrepreneurs like Ron leading the way, the future of cannabis in Minnesota looks promising—and greener than ever.