Cannabis news and information

As of August 1, 2023, Minnesota allows adults 21 and over to possess and use cannabis. However, local units of government may impose additional restrictions, such as prohibiting use in public places. Cannabis businesses are regulated by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, and must comply with both state and local requirements.

While cannabis is legal at the state level, it remains a Schedule I drug under federal law. This means: 

  • Cannabis use, possession, and transportation across state lines are illegal under federal law. 
  • Cannabis businesses cannot use conventional banking methods to buy or sell cannabis. They must rely on cash payments.

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 342 has been updated for the definition of a cannabis business to include all retail cannabis operations. This includes cannabis microbusinesses, mezzobusinesses, macrobusinesses, cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, transporters, testing facilities, delivery services, and cannabis event organizers.

A cannabis macrobusiness is a newly defined business type under state law that is vertically integrated and authorized to cultivate, process, and sell cannabis products under a single license.

Olmsted County is currently not accepting applications for cannabis business retail registrations.

Low-potency hemp registration:
Olmsted County has no cap limit for low-potency hemp registration. If interested, please contact Olmsted County Environmental Health at ehlicensingandbilling@olmstedcounty.gov.

County cannabis regulations 

Olmsted County has been defining its role in local oversight of cannabis through the following measures. 

  • September 15, 2026: Olmsted County amended its cannabis ordinance to align with updates in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 342, including renaming the medical cannabis combination business as a cannabis macrobusiness, revising registration timelines, clarifying party of interest requirements, establishing procedures for subsequent cannabis business lotteries, and revising penalties for selling to persons under the age of 21.
  • August 11, 2025: Olmsted County opened the application period for cannabis retail business registrations, which closed August 22, 2025.
  • July 14, 2025: Olmsted County opened the application period for cannabis mezzobusiness registrations, which closed on July 25, 2025.
  • June 9, 2025: Olmsted County opened the application period for cannabis microbusiness registrations, which closed on June 20, 2025.
  • May 20, 2025: Olmsted County established the cannabis retailer registration lottery process.
  • April 1, 2025: Olmsted County amended its cannabis ordinance to regulate the use, display, and sale of lower-potency hemp edibles. 
  • November 19, 2024: Olmsted County amended its cannabis ordinance to clarify the cannabis business registration process, establish a process for compliance checks, and create requirements for cannabis temporary events.  
  • September 17, 2024: Olmsted County amended its zoning ordinance which applies in the unincorporated areas of the county to define where cannabis businesses can be located in those areas.  
  • August 6, 2024: The county cannabis ordinance was amended to authorize 14 cannabis businesses licensed by OCM to register and serve customers in Olmsted County. This limit is in line with state law that allows a jurisdiction to limit cannabis registrations to 1 per 12,500 population. The county also prohibited use of cannabis products at Graham Park and in the county parks. 
  • November 7, 2023: Olmsted County passed an ordinance banning cannabis use in public places, except for events or establishments licensed by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). 
     

Cannabis business registration and event permits 

Olmsted County is currently processing applications for cannabis business registrations. This process will determine which applicants receive the opportunity to operate a retail cannabis business in compliance with Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis legislation and local regulations.

Please review all eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and deadlines before applying. Applicants must also disclose all parties of interest as required under state statutes. This includes individuals or entities with ownership, control, or the right to receive revenue or profit from the cannabis business.

Cannabis microbusinesses: The application period for cannabis microbusinesses closed on June 20, 2025. The lottery for cannabis microbusiness registrations took place on August 7, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Aune Hall at Graham Park.

Cannabis mezzobusinesses: The application period for cannabis mezzobusinesses closed on July 25, 2025. The lottery for cannabis mezzobusiness registrations took place on September 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Aune Hall at Graham Park.

Cannabis retail businesses: The application period for cannabis retail businesses opened on August 11, 2025, and closed on August 22, 2025.

The requirement for lottery winners to open within six months has been updated. Winners must now open within the preliminary license approval period defined by state statute, which aligns with the Office of Cannabis Management’s licensing timeline.
If openings become available among the 14 allotted county cannabis business registration spots and all qualified alternates have been exhausted, Olmsted County will conduct a subsequent lottery to fill any vacancies.

If you are interested in selling or hosting temporary cannabis events in the county, you will need to follow applicable state and local regulations. Operating a cannabis business or hosting a cannabis event in Olmsted County without county approval is a violation of the cannabis ordinance.

See more information about state licensing.

Please note: Olmsted County does not handle cannabis business registration for the cities of Byron or Pine Island. These cities manage their own registration processes. 

For zoning-related questions, prospective applicants must go through a review and approval process with their local zoning administrator. Check with your local unit of government to determine the appropriate process. Olmsted County oversees zoning for three townships: 

  • Eyota Township 
  • Marion Township 
  • Quincy Township

For these townships, please contact Olmsted County Planning at 507-328-7100 or planningweb@olmstedcounty.gov. 

Community education and awareness campaigns

Olmsted County participated in the regional Speaking of Cannabis campaign, a collaboration among 11 Southeast Minnesota counties aimed at helping adults talk with youth about cannabis risks. The campaign highlighted how today’s high potency cannabis products can impact the developing brain and encourages three key actions: understand the risks, talk with teens, and store cannabis products safely and out of reach.

The effort included online messaging and community displays across the region and was supported by a Cannabis & Substance Use Prevention grant from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

MDH has launched Be Cannabis Aware, a new public health campaign focused on educating youth under age 25—and the adults who support them—about cannabis use.
 

FAQs on the county’s cannabis ordinance 

On November 7, 2023, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance prohibiting cannabis use in public, effective immediately. This frequently asked questions (FAQ) list strives to provide clarity and guidance and address common queries about this ordinance.  

What does the ordinance say about using cannabis in public places? 
The ordinance passed by Olmsted County says that people cannot use cannabis in public places in Olmsted County unless an establishment or event has a license issued by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to permit on-site consumption. It also says people cannot smoke or use cannabis products in any place where minors might breathe in the smoke or vapor.

Under this ordinance, what is a "public place" or a “place of public accommodation?” 
A "public place" means any place the general public can go to, like hospitals parks, stores, public transit, and schools in Olmsted County.

A "place of public accommodation" is a business or building in Olmsted County that offers services to everyone. These include restaurants, hotels, and transportation facilities like airports.

Does this ordinance apply to people who use cannabis for medical reasons? 
Yes, everyone, including those who use cannabis for medical purposes, must follow the new ordinance. While the ordinance permits cannabis for medical reasons in certain situations, it is against the law to use it in public places in Olmsted County.

What are the new rules for cannabis businesses in Olmsted County? 

  • Registration: Any state-licensed cannabis business operating in Olmsted County must also register and be approved with the county before opening. Failure to register can result in a fine of up to $2,000 per violation. Other penalties include fines or suspensions of registration for up to 30 days if businesses fail compliance checks.
  • Permits for cannabis events: Cannabis-related events need a special permit from Olmsted County and can last up to four days, as long as they follow specific rules which are spelled out in the ordinance, like checking IDs and providing food and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Compliance checks: Cannabis businesses will undergo at least one unannounced compliance check each year to ensure they aren’t selling to persons under the age of 21 and are following other state and local requirements.

How will this ordinance be enforced, and what are the penalties for violating it? 
The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and Olmsted County Public Health staff are primarily responsible for enforcing the ordinance.

For cannabis public use violations, individuals may face a petty misdemeanor charge with penalties including a fine of up to $300 and/or community service.

Can private property owners allow cannabis use on their land? 
Private property owners can choose whether to allow cannabis use on their land if it follows other laws and rules.

Where can I find the full text of this ordinance? 
You can find the full text of the ordinance on the Olmsted County website. 

Questions? 

If you have questions about cannabis regulations or business permits in Olmsted County, please contact CannabisInquiries@olmstedcounty.gov.