Minnesota’s Cannabis License Pre-approval Lottery On Hold After Lawsuit

ST. PAUL (KVRR/KFGO) — Minnesota’s cannabis license pre-approval lottery scheduled for Tuesday is on hold.

At least ten applicants filed a lawsuit against the Office of Cannabis Management, saying the state inappropriately rejected applicants.

About a third of the more than 1,800 applicants had advanced to Tuesday’s lottery.

Ramsey County Judge Stephen Smith sided with the rejected applicants.

They sued over a process they argued had lacked clear criteria and that left no room for appeal.

Retail sales for adult use cannabis in Minnesota is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025.

It is already being sold on some reservations.