Applications open for Olmsted County cannabis mezzobusiness registrations on July 14

Olmsted County is opening the registration lottery application for cannabis mezzobusinesses soon. Starting July 14, 2025, representatives from interested businesses have 10 business days to apply. The application period will close at 5 p.m. on July 25, 2025.  

Olmsted County previously closed its application period for cannabis microbusiness registrations. This new lottery is specifically for mezzobusiness licenses. Under state law, Olmsted County may issue one cannabis business registration per 12,500 residents, for a total of up to 14 licenses. Of those 14, up to two are reserved for mezzobusiness registrations.  

If Olmsted County receives more applications than the allotted two registration slots, a public lottery will take place to determine which applicants will receive a mezzobusiness registration. The drawing will be conducted by Olmsted County Elections employees using a random‐selection method. The time, date, and location of the lottery will be announced on the county’s website at least two weeks in advance.  

Applicants do not need to attend the drawing in person, but each must submit a complete application and pay the required lottery fee before the July 25 deadline to be included. 

To be eligible for a mezzobusiness registration, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

• Submit a complete registration lottery application by 5 p.m. on July 25, 2025. 
• Undergo a background check through the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. 
• Provide proof of a pending state-level mezzobusiness license application. 
• Demonstrate that a business location is secured and available for use upon receiving a county registration. 
• Submit all relevant business formation documents. 

Applicants may not submit multiple mezzobusiness applications under different names or entities if they have any overlapping ownership or affiliations. Each applicant must attest, under penalty of perjury, that they are not connected to any other application submitted for a cannabis business registration in Olmsted County. 

A non-refundable $100 lottery application fee must accompany each mezzobusiness application. 

In addition to the primary mezzobusiness selections, Olmsted County will draw three alternate applicants. An alternate will be selected only if a primary applicant is unable to secure a state license or open a qualifying location within six months of the lottery or 90 days if an extension is granted. 

If you have any questions or require assistance with the application process, please contact the Olmsted County Public Health Services Environmental Health team.