SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota cannabis regulators say they will no longer hold an early lottery for social equity applicants seeking business licenses in the new marijuana market.
The decision comes after a Ramsey County judge blocked the Office of Cannabis Management from holding a license preapproval lottery after several applicants filed lawsuits claiming they were unfairly denied entrance to the pool. Those who want to be cannabis entrepreneurs will have to wait until next year to seek a business license.
The cancellation of the preapproval lottery will also delay cannabis cultivation for several months which could lead to less supply for retailers when the marijuana market opens next year.
