Cannabis Business Registration Packet
Link to City Code page
Minnesota’s cannabis law, passed in 2023, established a regulatory framework for the state’s new cannabis industry. Minnesota is the 23rd state in the nation to legalize adult-use cannabis.
The new law also created a new state office – the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Provisions of the law include:
- Legalizing and limiting the possession of cannabis by people 21 and older
- Providing for the licensing, inspection, and regulation of cannabis and hemp businesses
- Establishing a license preference for social equity applicants
- Requiring testing and labeling of cannabis and hemp products
- Creating grants and loan programs to assist people entering the legal cannabis market
How are local governments involved?
- Local governments serve as a near-final approval check on cannabis businesses nearing the awarding of a state license for operations. Once an applicant has been vetted by OCM and is selected for proceeding in the verification process, they are then required to receive the local government’s certification of zoning compliance and, if applicable, retail registration before operations may commence.
- Local governments may issue a retail registration after verifying the business has a valid license or license preapproval issued by OCM and has paid a registration fee or renewal fee to the local government.
- Local governments may not issue outright bans on cannabis businesses or limit operations in a manner beyond what is provided by state law.
In December of 2024, the City of Falcon Heights updated City Code to allow for one cannabis business to be located within the City after registration has been approved by City Council and upon licensing with the State of Minnesota.
Overview of Falcon Heights regulations and requirements (not a full list - review City Code for other requirements):
- Must be licensed with the Office of Cannabis Management
- Only allowed in the B-3 zoning district
- Must be located at least 300' from any primary and secondary school, daycare, residential treatment facility, and/or attraction within a public park regularly used by minors
- Will not be sold in a movable place of business
- All business will be conducted entirely within an enclosed building
- Will operate ONLY within the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., seven days per week
- Will not allow smoking inside or outside of any part of the building, including on any patios, porches, decks, or other similar areas
- No on-site consumption unless expressly permitted by the State license
- Will not share a common entrance with a tobacco shop
As of 7/2/2025, one registration is currently available for a cannabis business within the City of Falcon Heights. Below are links to the registration packet and City Code. Please note that City Code should be reviewed fully to ensure all requirements set by the City are being met. Chapters 14 and 113 both have sections regarding cannabis businesses.
Cannabis Business Registration Packet
Link to City Code page
If you have any questions about any of these items, please contact Hannah Lynch, Community Development Coordinator.
