How do I Apply for a Cannabis Event License in Minnesota?

To apply for a cannabis event organizer license in Minnesota, begin by preparing the required information and supporting documents, then submit your application and pay the fee through the OCM Citizen Portal. Below are the key steps and details:

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Register and Prepare Application Materials

• Create an account in the OCM Citizen Portal if not already registered.

• Gather all necessary business information, including ownership documentation, legal registrations, and tax ID numbers.

• Complete any required worksheets or forms provided by the OCM for license applications.

  
  

2. Application Requirements for a Cannabis Event Organizer

• Authorized Actions: The license allows organizing temporary cannabis events of up to four days, authorizing sales of cannabis flower, products, hemp edibles, and on-site consumption.

  
  

• Details you must submit:

  • Type and number of any other cannabis licenses held.

  • Name and location/address of the event.

  • Event name and a diagram or map of the event layout, entrances/exits, sales, and consumption areas.

  • Event dates and hours (no more than four days per event).

  • A preliminary list of the licensed retailers who will sell at the event (can be updated up to 72 hours before the event).

  • Description of how cannabis and related products will be stored, secured, and managed at the event.

  • Evidence of local government approval and any required local permits for the event, since local approval is mandatory.

  • Security plan and arrangements for event security personnel (security must be present at all times during public access to cannabis).

• Restrictions: The event organizer license cannot be held by a business also licensed as a testing facility or lower-potency hemp manufacturer or retailer.

3. Submit the Application Online

• Log in to the OCM Citizen Portal and select "cannabis event organizer" as your license type.

• Complete all sections, attaching all required documents and diagrams.

• Carefully review your application, then proceed to payment ($750 application/license fee).

• After submitting, monitor the email or the portal for correspondence or supplemental requests from OCM.

4. Additional Requirements

• Local government approval: You must provide written approval or evidence of local permitting for the event each time you apply.

• Security: Contract or employ on-site licensed security for the duration of the event while cannabis is present.

• Retailer Registration: Submit a finalized list of all authorized retailers who will sell the product at the event before the event begins.

5. License Decision and Event Execution

• OCM will review your application for completeness, required documentation, and local approval.

• Upon approval, receive the temporary event license authorizing the planned event for up to four days.

• Follow all statutory and regulatory requirements during the event—including security, storage, and record-keeping.

  
  

Important Notes:

• Minnesota requires a new event license for each event.

• Sales and consumption are limited to adults 21+, with required age controls at entry points.

• Local governments may have additional event-specific ordinances or application steps to complete.

• No “free” cannabis or hemp products can be given to attendees.

  
  

For detailed guidance and forms, always consult the OCM website and your local city/county government regarding permits and local requirements.

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What local permits are commonly required for cannabis events?

Local permits required for cannabis events in Minnesota typically include a city or county event permit, plus approvals for zoning, fire safety, security, and possibly temporary structure, food, or alcohol sales (if allowed). Every cannabis event organizer must obtain written local government approval confirming the event meets all applicable local zoning rules, ordinances, and permit requirements before applying for a state event license.mn+3

Common Local Permits and Approvals

• Event Permit: Most cities or counties require a dedicated cannabis event permit (sometimes called a temporary cannabis event permit or special event permit) for any cannabis-oriented gathering, even if the venue already has other event permissions.

• Zoning and Land Use Approval: Local authorities review the event location to ensure compliance with zoning, buffer zones, occupancy, and site layout requirements.

• Fire and Building Safety: Large events, use of tents, canopies, or event infrastructure may need a fire department permit and/or building safety inspection to ensure emergency exits, egress, suppression systems, and overall event safety.

• Security Plan Approval: Most municipalities assess or require approval of a detailed security plan, often involving minimum staffing, licensed guards, access controls, and emergency protocols.mn+1

• Public Health and Sanitation, the event includes food or beverage service, temporary food vendor permits and sanitation plans are often required.

• Noise/Sound Permits: There will be amplified sound or live music; a noise permit may be needed per local ordinances.

• Alcohol Sales/Consumption Permits: Cannabis events may not allow alcohol consumption by state law, but if other portions of the event involve alcohol, separate liquor licensing is needed—sometimes triggering additional local review.

• Traffic and Public Safety Approvals: Depending on event size, local governments may require plans or fees for traffic management, crowd control, parking, and emergency medical presence.c

Local Government Approval Form

A "Local Approval of Cannabis Event" form, signed by an authorized city or county representative, is mandatory, and must affirm that the applicant’s plans meet all local regulations and permit requirements for the location, activities, and expected attendance. No OCM event license is issued without this verified approval.mn+1

Local Variation

Requirements will vary widely by city, township, or county; organizers must consult with local officials at the earliest planning stage to determine exact permits needed for a specific site and event type.