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The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) hosted an informational webinar to guide social equity applicants through the process of completing the application for cannabis business license preapproval in Minnesota.

Presenters:

• Merone Melekin, Outreach Director
• Kimberly Maturo-Hilt, Information Technology
• Max Zappia, Chief Regulatory Officer

For more information, please visit the OCM’s website: https://mn.gov/ocm/

Please note that due to minor recording issues, there are two brief cuts in this meeting's recording. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Contents of this Recording:

• 00:00 - MNCC Introduction
• 00:37 - Introductions and Agenda (Merone Melekin)
• 05:02 - Completing Your Application (Kimberly Maturo-Hilt)
• 17:40 - Application Forms, Requirements, and Timelines (Max Zappia)
• 24:38 - Application Tips and Resources (Merone Melekin)
• 44:23 - Frequently Asked Questions (Merone Melekin)
• 54:00 - Key Takeaways and Next Steps (Merone Melekin)

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This week, Steve and Tanner are back with a summer break bonus episode, diving into the past month in Minnesota cannabis. The Pre-Approval Process is underway for Social Equity Applicants, marking a significant step forward for inclusivity in the industry. Island Pezi has opened near the Twin Cities, receiving mixed responses from the community. Meanwhile, changes to the medical program took effect on July 1, 2024, opening access for many. Finally, we look ahead to the Garrison Hemp Fest in Garrison, MN, an event sure to celebrate and highlight all things hemp. Don’t miss this Summer Break Bonus episode full of important updates and insights!

Filmed and Recorded at the Dabbler Depot Studio in St. Paul

Today's episode of Northern Lights is presented by North Star Law Group, your trusted partner in Minnesota's burgeoning legal cannabis industry. Learn more at northstarlaw.com

Thank you to our sponsor NativeCare, Minnesota's first recreational cannabis dispensary, now on WeedMaps!

Links from the Show:
🌱 Social Equity Application from MN OCM: https://stage.wcm.mnit.mn.gov/ocm/businesses/equity-applicants/preapproval.jsp
🏝️ Island Pezi Native Cannabis Brand: https://www.islandpezi.com/
💊 Medical Cannabis Program Resources: https://mn.gov/ocm/dmc/patients/the-basics/how-to-become-a-patient.jsp
🎉 Garrison Hemp Fest (August 10): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/garrison-hemp-fest-tickets-921251497027?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Welcome to the MNCC recording of the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) training session on completing the social equity verification process. This is the crucial first step for potential social equity applicants aiming to participate in Minnesota’s new cannabis industry, launching this summer.

This training was held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, June 21, at the Sabathani Community Center Auditorium in Minneapolis. Preregistration was strongly encouraged, and attendees signed up using a designated registration form.

This workshop underscores the state’s dedication to fostering a fair and inclusive cannabis industry. Recent updates to Minnesota’s cannabis law have introduced a licensing preapproval and vetted lottery process for qualified social equity applicants.

For those unable to attend the event, this recording will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide through the verification process. Charlene Briner, OCM interim director, has emphasized that additional information and technical assistance resources are forthcoming.

“The Office of Cannabis Management is committed to providing ongoing information and assistance as we prepare to open the application and licensing process,” said Briner. “We encourage potential applicants to check our website frequently as we continue to add guides and materials to support applicants every step of the way.”

As part of this summer’s launch, applicants must complete the verification process to ensure they qualify for social equity status. This process runs from June 24 to July 10.

Verified social equity applicants will then be eligible to submit an application for license preapproval from July 24 to August 12, as mandated by law. These applications will undergo a review and vetting process, and qualified candidates will enter a lottery planned for this fall.

Applicants will complete both the verification and preapproval processes through the OCM website.

For more information and to review social equity eligibility requirements, please visit the OCM website.

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