As Minnesota transitions to fully legalized cannabis, many residents are curious about when dispensaries will be available for the recreational sale of all cannabis products from seeds, to flowers, to edibles. Currently, there are many stores that essentially function as dispensaries selling THC and CBD products from hemp-derived sources.
The state has made significant progress in legalizing cannabis, but the regulation has to catch up before stores selling cannabis products can open their doors to customers.
The Road to Legalization
Cannabis in Minnesota has come a long way. In 2014, the state passed a medical marijuana law that allowed for a limited range of conditions to be treated with cannabis. Initially, the program only permitted non-smokable forms, such as oils and pills. Over the years, patient eligibility expanded, and in 2022, Minnesota legalized the sale of cannabis flower for medical use.
The next big step came in the early morning hours of May 22nd, 2023. The Minnesota State senate passed an updated version of congressional legislation legalizing the sale, purchase, use, and even ability to grow recreational cannabis. The bill featured minimal restrictions compared to the bill passed in July 2022 which legalized only edible forms of THC in small doses. Governor Tim Walz signed the bill and it went into effect on August 1st, 2023. Though the bill did not have any regulation attached to it so it immediately created a gray-market that has seen recent crackdowns.
Where We Stand in 2024
As of now, recreational cannabis is legal in Minnesota, but most dispensaries aren’t operational yet due to the lack of regulation and licensing. However, tribal nations have been able to establish several legal dispensaries as they do not need to comply with the Office of Cannabis Management’s framework.
A new study estimates that Minnesota will need at least 381 cannabis dispensaries to comply with state laws. However, establishing these dispensaries is a complex process, involving state regulation, licensing, and local approval - this won’t happen until early 2025.
One unique element of Minnesota’s approach is the possibility of government-run, municipal dispensaries. This model, akin to the state’s liquor store system, would allow cities to operate dispensaries as public entities. This is still being debated, but if approved, Minnesota could see a mix of public and private cannabis retailers.
What’s Coming in 2025?
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is currently working on creating the framework for dispensary licensing and regulation. The first round of licenses is expected to be issued by early 2025, and many businesses are already positioning themselves to become some of the first to open their doors.
Among these businesses is Nuleev, which has three Minnesota locations ready to operate as dispensaries once the laws allow it. Their experience with a range of hemp-derived products for years before the 2023 law positions them as a pioneer in this constantly changing industry.
Additionally, Gigli, the brand known for its THC-infused cocktails, gummies, and chocolates, is already available for purchase across multiple states. While Minnesota residents wait for dispensaries to open, they can find Gigli products at several retail locations. Check out Gigli’s store locator to find their products near you and enjoy THC legally today.