Applications open for Olmsted County cannabis microbusiness registrations

Olmsted County is now accepting applications for cannabis microbusiness registrations, marking a significant step in the county's implementation of Minnesota's adult-use cannabis legislation. The application window opens today, June 9, 2025, and will remain open for 10 business days, closing on June 20, 2025. 

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 allowable registrations, up to eight are designated for microbusinesses. At this time, registration applications are only open for the eight microbusiness licenses available.  

Olmsted County is not currently accepting applications for the remaining four cannabis retailer registrations or the two mezzobusiness registrations. Retailer and mezzobusiness registration windows will open at a later date. 

If more than eight complete and eligible microbusiness applications are received, Olmsted County will hold a public lottery to determine which eight applicants will receive a microbusiness 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 June 20 deadline to be included. 

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

• Submit a complete Olmsted County microbusiness registration application by 5 p.m. on June 20, 2025. 
• Undergo a background check through the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. 
• Provide proof of a pending state-level microbusiness 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 microbusiness 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 nonrefundable $100 lottery application fee must accompany each microbusiness application. 

In addition to the eight primary microbusiness selections, Olmsted County will draw three alternate microbusiness 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. 

For questions or assistance related to the application process, please contact the Olmsted County Public Health Services Environmental Health team.