Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/26/2024

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The Cannabis Licensing Process An applicant will take the following steps to proceed from application to active licensure. As described, processes vary depending on social equity status and/or whether the type of license being sought is capped or uncapped in the general licensing process. License Preapproval: Early Mover Process for Social Equity Applicants The license preapproval process is a one-time application process available for verified social equity applicants. State law requires OCM to open the application window on July 24, 2024, and close the window on August 12, 2024. The preapproval process is available for the following license types, and all are capped in this process: microbusiness, mezzobusiness, cultivator, retailer, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, and delivery service. Preapproval steps: 1. Applicant's social equity applicant (SEA) status verified. 2. Complete application and submit application fees. 3. Application vetted for minimum requirements by OCM. 4. Application (if qualified) entered into lottery drawing. 5. If selected in lottery, OCM completes background check of selected applicant and issues license preapproval. 6. Applicant with license preapproval* submits business location and amends application accordingly. 7. OCM forwards completed application to local government. 8. Local government completes certification of zoning compliance. 9. OCM conducts site inspection. 10. When regulations are adopted, license becomes active, operations may commence. *For social equity applicants with license preapproval for microbusiness, mezzobusiness, or a cultivator license, they may begin growing cannabis plants prior to the adoption of rules if OCM receives approval from local governments in a form and manner determined by the office. This is only applicable to cultivation and does not authorize retail sales or other endorsed activities of the licenses prior to the adoption of rules. Page 8 M1 MINNeSOTA OFFICE OF CANNABIS MANAGEMENT