Information for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Retail
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Overview
Expect State License Applications with The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and Local Government Registration are Likely to Begin in Early 2025. Reviews of applications for license preapprovals are continuing as scheduled for the Office of Cannabis Management.
Local government registration is required to ensure the location of your business meets Zoning requirements, including distances from certain properties. Local governments may limit the number of licensed cannabis retailers to no fewer than one registration for every 12,500 residents. There will be no limit or cap on the number of Cannabis and Cannabinoid retail businesses licenses within the City of Saint Paul at this time.
Zoning Ordinance
Adult-use cannabis Ordinance has been approved by City Council on 9/18/2024 and was signed by the Mayor of the City Saint Paul Melvin Carter on 9/24/2024. These added changes are to determine distance requirements from certain establishments such as schools, daycares and public parks. Ordinance can be found in Ord 24-21_Zoning Requirements for Cannabinoids.
For State Statute 342 and amendments of the chapter for Cannabis and Cannabinoid products refer to Ch.342 MN for Statutes & Chapter 121 - MN Laws for amendments.
Zoning Registration and Information for Cannabis and Cannabinoids Businesses
Registration for Low-Potency Hemp Edible Businesses
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management announces reopening of registration for hemp-derived cannabinoid businesses and licensing rollout for low-potency hemp edible businesses starting on June 2, 2025. It will open a new window for accepting registrations for businesses seeking to sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) to consumers.
You may find the more information from OCM licensing and registration by following this link, Overview / Office of Cannabis Management. For the direct page to register follow this link Hemp Derived Cannabinoid Products Business Registration Form
Businesses that sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) but are not registered with the Office of Cannabis Management are in violation of Minnesota law and will be subject to enforcement action including the destruction of all the business’s HDCPs and penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation.
Local Municipalities Endorsements for Registration for Cannabis Retailer Businesses
For the Qualified Application Guide to Obtain License(s) from OCM - click here.
For the Retail Registration and Checklist form for Local Authorities Endorsement - click here
Cannabis Seed
Individual and retailers interested in selling seed must contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for permits:
- Permits - Seed Permits | Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Facts and Questions Marijuana Seed Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Information for Cannabis Retail Businesses
- Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management
- Starting a Cannabis Retail Business and Social Equity Information
- Application are now being excepted for some cannabis licenses - Instructions for First-Time Applicants
- Cannabis Tax
On-Site Consumption at a Business or an Outdoor Event
Establishments or retailers that serve THC drinks and low-potency edibles at a business or an outdoor event must follow the conditions as described in MN Statutes 151.72 subd 3(f). These conditions for outdoor events will be enforced until the Event Coordinators licenses are made available by OCM and new language is introduced for Minnesota Administrative Rules expected later in 2025.
Sale of cannabinoids derived from hemp
Products may be sold for on-site consumption if all of the following conditions are met:
- must be registered with OCM ( Hemp Derived Cannabinoid Products Business Registration Form )
the retailer must also hold an on-sale license issued under chapter 340A;
products, other than products that are intended to be consumed as a beverage, must be served in original packaging, but may be removed from the products' packaging by customers and consumed on site;
products must not be sold to a customer who the retailer knows or reasonably should know is intoxicated;
products must not be permitted to be mixed with an alcoholic beverage; and
products that have been removed from packaging must not be removed from the premises.
Edible cannabinoid products that are intended to be consumed as a beverage may be served outside of the products' packaging if the information that is required to be contained on the label of an edible cannabinoid product is posted or otherwise displayed by the retailer.
Outdoor on-site consumption for special events requires a temporary liquor license or a temporary on-sale liquor catering license. Contact DSI licensing for additional information and requirements at phone number 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Complaints for Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products
If a person suspects that hemp-derived cannabinoid products are being sold in violation of the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 151 and 342, you may report the issue with the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management:
- Overview / Office of Cannabis Management
To submit a complaint directly to OCM, complete the official OCM’s complaint form at Office of Cannabis Management Complaint, once filled in don’t forget to click on the "Submit" button at the bottom of the form.
For recent News from the Office of Cannabis Management including reviews of applications for license preapprovals, use the following link: Newsletters / Office of Cannabis Management for information and to sign up for the Cannabis Implementation Insider.
Questions regarding rules and regulations for licensing may be directed to the Office of Cannabis Management via email:
- General Inquiries: cannabis.info@state.mn.us
- Rulemaking inquiries: cannabis.rulemaking@state.mn.us
- Medical Cannabis Program inquiries: medical.cannabis@state.mn.us
What are the differences of legal cannabinoids, hemp and cannabis?
- Cannabinoids – Are a group of substances found in the cannabis plant. On July 1, 2022 the State of MN approved the sale, possession and consumption of some cannabinoid products. These products may not contain more than five (5) milligrams of any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a single serving, and not more than fifty (50) milligrams of any THC per package.
- Hemp – Is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid derived from a Hemp plant and does not contain more than 0.3 percent of any THC.
- Cannabis/Marijuana - Refers to all products derived from the cannabis sativa plant. This includes its dried flowers, leaves, stems and seeds. The plant contains over 500 chemical substances. The word “marijuana” refers to parts of or products from the plant Cannabis sativa that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the substance that’s primarily responsible for the effects of marijuana on a person’s mental state. Some cannabis plants contain very little THC. However, under U.S. law, these plants are considered “industrial hemp” rather than marijuana.
For general inquiries about cannabis products and cannabinoid products, or zoning inquiries regarding USE of property, please contact DSI at 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us .
Business Licenses
Business licenses required by the City of Saint Paul are listed by category below.
Before Class “N” license applications may be accepted by DSI the Class "N" District Council Form must be submitted by the applicant to the District Council serving the neighborhood that your business is located within. Follow this link for the Interactive Map of District Councils than enter your business address in the top left corner to find the appropriate District Council. The contact information can be found at the District Council Directory link.
The State of Minnesota and Ramsey County may also require an additional license depending on business type(s).
If you cannot find a license type for your business or have questions about other requirements operating a business within the City of Saint Paul, please contact a Project Facilitator at 651-266-8989.
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For information concerning federal and state alcohol laws and requirements visit the Federal Alcohol Laws and Requirements webpage and review Chapter 7515 Department of Public Safety - Liquor and State Statue 340A Liquor.
City of Saint Paul additional requirements are primarily located within the Legislative Code’s Chapters Chapters 409 Intoxication Liquor, 410 Nonintoxicating Malt Liquor, 411 Entertainment, & State Statue 340A Intoxication Liquor
*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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Animal Boarding Animal Day Care Animal Foods Manufacturing and Distribution Pet Grooming Facility Pet Shop Veterinary Hospital -
*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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Sidewalk Café-Food Only Short Term Rental Host & Platform What You Need to Know About Selling and Serving Food in Saint Paul Food Truck/Mobile Food Unit Regulations The Minnesota Department of Health licenses food and lodging establishments (e.g., restaurant, mobile food unit, bed & breakfast, hotel, and motel). Please find the Department of Health licensing information here.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture licenses retail food establishments (e.g., grocery and convenience stores, bakeries, and vending machines) and retail mobile food units (e.g., seasonal food stand, mobile food unit, retail food vehicle/cart) that predominantly sell prepackaged food. Please find the Department of Agriculture licensing information here.
City of Saint Paul Zoning and Fire Safety, Certificate of Occupancy requirements still apply to restaurants and retail food establishments. If you have any questions about starting a business in the city, please contact a Project facilitator at 651-266-8989.
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Health/Sports Club Massage Center (Adult) Massage Center (Class A - Commercial Location) Massage Center (Class B - Home Location) Massage Practitioner Public Swimming Pools
Please follow the below link: Minnesota Department of HealthSteam Room/Bath House (Class A and B) Tanning Facility Whirlpools
Please follow the below link: Minnesota Department of Health*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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*A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
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Burglar Alarm Permits Courtesy Benches Parking Garage/Ramp Parking Garage (Private) Parking Lot Tag Days Scrapping *A Class N notice requires the City to send public notice to neighboring property owners. To learn more about the administrative process, visit this page.
