Olmsted County announces cannabis retailer registration lottery process
As the sale of adult-use cannabis becomes legal in Minnesota, Olmsted County is preparing to launch a registration process for cannabis retailers. The county has established a lottery process to ensure a fair and transparent selection of eligible cannabis retail businesses.
Olmsted County will open a 10-business day application period for cannabis retailer registration in the coming weeks. This will be announced through the Olmsted County website and other county communication channels.
“We know there is strong interest in operating legal cannabis retail businesses,” said Olmsted County Board of Commissioner Chair Mark Thein. “This lottery process ensures a level playing field while aligning with state law and local zoning requirements.”
Key details of the registration and lottery process include:
- Registration window: Olmsted County will accept cannabis retailer registration applications during a 10-business day period. The opening and closing dates will be posted on the Olmsted County website.
- Eligibility requirements: Applicants must submit a complete application, including a background check by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, proof of state-level license application, documentation that applicants will have a business location available if they receive a registration, and relevant business formation records.
- Fees: A lottery application fee, established by the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners, must be submitted with all applications. The lottery fee will be established by the county board by resolution at a later date.
- Prohibitions: To maintain integrity, applicants may not submit multiple applications under different entities with the same ownership or affiliations. All applicants must attest they are not connected to any other applicant.
- Lottery procedure: In accordance with state law, which allows one cannabis business registration per 12,500 residents, Olmsted County will issue up to 14 cannabis retailer registrations.
- If more than 14 complete and eligible applications are received, two public lotteries will be conducted—one for microbusinesses and another for cannabis retailers and mezzobusinesses.
- Based on statewide application trends, the available slots will be allocated as follows:
- 8 microbusiness registrations.
- 4 cannabis retailer registrations.
- 2 mezzobusiness registrations.
- The drawing will be conducted publicly using a random selection method, with either county staff or a contracted third party facilitating the process.
- The county will announce the time, date, and location of the lottery at least two weeks in advance. Participation at the drawing is not required but the application and fee must be submitted in advance.
- Alternates: In addition to the 14 primary selections, three alternates per category will be drawn in the event that any selected business is unable to open within six months, or 90 days if an extension is granted.
“As legal cannabis sales begin, it’s important that we approach this process with public health in mind,” said Olmsted County Public Health Associate Director Sagar Chowdhury. “A transparent registration system supports responsible retail practices that help promote safe cannabis use and community health.”
Olmsted County will provide timely updates about the registration period, application requirements, and lottery details on its website.