ST PAUL, Minn. — Editor’s note: The video above first aired on March 21, 2025.

The recently formed Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced that a draft of its proposed rules for adult-use recreational cannabis has been submitted for review.

The move was announced by OCM officials in a statement Tuesday. OCM said the proposed set of rules will now go to the Office of Administrative Hearings for approval.

“Our timeline for launching the adult-use market has forecasted completing rules by the end of first quarter of 2025,” said OCM Interim Director Eric Taubel. “With the rules now in the hands of an administrative law judge for final approval, we’ve reached a crucial milestone. Following approval, prospective businesses will be able to complete their final steps and receive a cannabis license.”  

According to OCM, the proposed rules were amended to include public feedback collected by the office over the summer of 2024. Once the list is formally adopted, OCM said it can begin to issue business licenses. The agency said the administrative law judge reviewing the rules has 14 days to approve, approve with changes or disapprove. 

OCM said nearly 200 business owners are qualified for various uncapped licensures — microbusiness, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility and delivery service  — and will be entered into lottery drawings for distribution as soon as the rules are adopted.

Licenses capped by state statute — cultivator, mezzobusiness, manufacturer and retailer — will be included in a series of lotteries later this year.

“The adoption of rules will mean that the social equity applicants who passed the application review last fall are ready to be the first wave of cannabis business owners in Minnesota,” said Jess Jackson, OCM director of social equity.

To see the list of proposed rules, visit OCM’s website.