ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – After almost two years of marijuana legalization, Minnesota is helping budding farmers get into the cannabis industry.

The new ‘Can Grow Grant’ by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is providing equitable access to resources, training, and financial support to new and existing Minnesota farmers looking to spark up their business in the legal cannabis market.

“This is a difficult and cumbersome industry to navigate, but there are resources that are being created to support them through that process,” said Jessica Jackson, OCM’s equity manager.

According to the state department, the grant will provide $2 million to non-profit organizations and corporations that will teach and provide loans to aspiring farmers.

Non-profit organizations can apply for the ‘Technical Assistance Grant’, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to support education and training.

Nonprofit corporations can also apply for the ‘Loan Financing Grant’ from $200,000 to $500,000 to organizations creating low-interest loans to farmers. Those loans can range up to $150,000.

This grant will benefit farmers like Angel Dawson, who trains farmers on how to grow cannabis, along with the rules and regulations around the industry. She said, “Now that cannabis is legal in Minnesota, I’ve recently created Bold North Farming, specifically for the cannabis business, and I’m operating in southeast Minnesota.”

The application closes Tuesday, June 3, at 4:30 pm. On Friday, June 6, the grant committee will then begin reviewing applications.

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