ROCHESTER, Minn. — Olmsted County will open the application process for cannabis mezzobusiness licenses on July 14.

Interested businesses will have 10 business days to apply, with the deadline closing at 5 p.m. on July 25.

The county plans to issue up to 14 cannabis business licenses, with two reserved specifically for mezzobusiness registrations. If more than two applications are received, a public lottery will determine the recipients.

This lottery will be managed by Olmsted County Elections employees, and details will be posted on the county’s website at least two weeks before the event. Applicants need not be present at the lottery but must submit a complete application and pay a $100 non-refundable fee by the deadline.

Eligibility requirements include a background check, proof of a pending state mezzobusiness license, a secured business location, and relevant business documents.

Under Minnesota’s cannabis law, a mezzobusiness can run up to three retail (dispensary) locations, but it is not explicitly permitted to allow consumption on the premises. The mezzobusiness flowering canopy must be limited to 15,000 square feet indoors—three times the limit for the microbusiness—and production must be restricted to what can be grown under the allowed canopy size.

Olmsted County will also select three alternate applicants in case any primary winners cannot meet the requirements. For assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact the Olmsted County Public Health Services Environmental Health team.