Information for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Retail
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Overview
Expect State License Applications with The Office of Cannabis Management 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
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 by following this link Ord 24-21_Zoning Requirements for Cannabinoids.
For State Statutes 342 and for amendments of the chapter for Cannabis and Cannabinoid products, can be found by following these links Ch.342 MN Statutes & for amendments Chapter 121 - MN Laws.
On-Site Consumption
To legally consume THC beverages on-site at an event or business, establishments/retailer that serve THC drinks and low-potency edibles must follow MN Statue 151.72 subd 3(f):
- the retailer must also hold an on-sale license issued under chapter 340A;
- products 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.
Businesses may not sell lower-potency hemp edibles to a customer if they are intoxicated or have consumed alcohol within the previous five hours.
Outdoor on-site consumption for special events may require a temporary liquor license or a temporary 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. Please note, on-site consumption event licenses will most likely not be available until 2025.
The Sale of Cannabinoids Lower Potency Edibles
Individuals or retailers selling THC beverages and/or lower-potency edibles must be registered with the Minnesota Department of Health.
Information on cannabis regulations and registration for lower potency edible products can be found in the following link: Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products - MN Dept. of Health (state.mn.us),
For the direct page to register, use the following link: Hemp Derived Cannabinoid Products Business Registration Form (state.mn.us)
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 (state.mn.us)
Facts and Questions Marijuana Seed Frequently Asked Questions (state.mn.us)
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
- To submit a complaint directly to OCM, click on the following link for the official OCM’s complaint form ‘Office of Medical Cannabis Edible Cannabinoid Product Complaint (state.mn.us)’, once filled in don’t forget to click on submit at the bottom of the form, thank you.
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
- For the direct page for the complaint form, use the following link: Office of Medical Cannabis Edible Cannabinoid Product Complaint (state.mn.us).
For recent News from the Office of Cannabis Management including reviews of applications for license preapprovals, use the following link: Welcome to the Cannabis Implementation Insider (govdelivery.com) 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 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.
Chapter 7515 Department of Public Safety - Liquor.
For the City of Saint Paul Legislative Code Chapter’s 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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The Minnesota Department of Health licenses food and lodging establishments; please find the state 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.
Interested in selling or serving food outside of a restaurant, or in a food truck? This guide lays out the basics and provides the contact numbers you need to get your food stand off to a great start! -
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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*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.
