Applications open for Olmsted County cannabis retail business registrations on August 11
July 29, 2025
Olmsted County will soon open the application period for its cannabis retail business registration lottery. Beginning August 11, 2025, interested business representatives will have 10 business days to submit their applications. The application window will close at 5 p.m. on August 22, 2025.
This upcoming lottery is focused solely on retail business registrations and follows the closure of application periods for both microbusiness and mezzobusiness registrations. According to state regulations, Olmsted County may authorize one cannabis business registration for every 12,500 residents—allowing for 14 licenses. Of these, up to four may be designated for retail businesses.
If Olmsted County receives more applications than the allotted four registration slots, a public lottery will take place to determine which applicants will receive a retail business 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 August 22 deadline to be included.
To be eligible for a retail business registration, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Submit a complete registration lottery application by 5 p.m. on August 22, 2025.
- Successfully complete a background check through the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.
- Provide proof of a pending state-level retail business 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 retail business 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 retail business application.
In addition to the primary retail business 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.