Challenges to Starting a Cannabis Retail Dispensary in Minnesota

Abstract

This project investigates the best practices for Minnesota to adopt for its new Cannabis Retail Dispensary law. Retail Cannabis was legalized in 2023, and the Office of Cannabis Management developed operating procedures based on the experiences in other states. The research focuses on how Minnesota and Minneapolis can effectively support and assist license holders to help them succeed. I examined the other states' laws and identified the successful approaches. Given that the IRS currently regulates Cannabis as a dangerous, illegal drug, every state must work around those federal limitations. Minnesota chose to prioritize licenses first to disadvantaged, social equity applicants and those who had been harmed by past unfair marijuana arrests. My analysis shows that without previous business experience or technical training, most license applicants benefit from state-supported technical and business education programs. The neighborhood's support and community engagement with other local companies also enhanced the likelihood of cannabis business success.