Purpose of the Bill

The bill focuses on the process of license allocation in the cannabis industry within Minnesota, emphasizing prioritization for verified social equity applicants. The goal is to ensure fair access to cannabis licenses for individuals or groups that meet social equity criteria.

Main Provisions

• Priority Review for Social Equity Applicants: Before considering general licensing applicants, the Office of Cannabis Management must review all verified social equity applicants. This step aims to prioritize those affected by cannabis-related offenses or those from marginalized communities in the licensing process.

• Lottery System for License Allocation:

  • If the number of social equity applicants exceeds the available licenses, a lottery will determine who receives preliminary license approval. Those not selected in this lottery will still be considered in the pool for general applicants.
  • A separate lottery will be conducted for all applicants if the total demand exceeds the supply of general licenses.

• Impartial and Random Selection: All lotteries conducted under this bill must be impartial, random, and follow a format set by the Office of Cannabis Management.

• Notification to Applicants: After the lottery process, applicants will be informed whether or not they were selected for preliminary license approval.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a mandatory review and prioritization process for social equity applicants in the licensing of cannabis operations, ensuring these applicants are considered before general applicants.
• Establishes a formal lottery process to manage cases where applications exceed available licenses, with specific provisions for social equity applicants.

Relevant Terms

social equity, cannabis license, Office of Cannabis Management, lottery system, preliminary license approval, marginalized communities, disenfranchised groups.