How to apply for LPHE (low-potency hemp editable) retailer, manufacturer, or wholesaler licenses starting April 1, 2026

You apply for LPHE retailer, manufacturer, or wholesaler licenses through OCM’s Accela online portal starting April 1, 2026, and applications are reviewed and issued on a rolling basis.mn+2

Step 1: Decide license type(s)

• LPHE retailer: Sells compliant lower‑potency hemp edibles to consumers; must also obtain a local retail registration before starting sales.pdf.pdfmn+1

• LPHE manufacturer: Produces LPHE products and may need extraction/edible handler endorsements depending on activities.mnpdf.pdf

• LPHE wholesaler: Buys LPHE and hemp‑derived products from licensed businesses and sells to retailers and others; endorsements required for importing certain products.pdf.pdfmn

Step 2: Prepare core documents

For all three LPHE license types you should have ready before you start the online application:mn+2

• Proof of trade name registration from the MN Secretary of State.

• Valid government‑issued photo ID for the applicant or controlling person.

• Site, Security, and Operations Final Plan of Record (FPOR) for each business location (covers layout, security, storage, operations, and compliance).mn+1

• Any required labor peace agreement (LPA) attestation (mandatory for LPHE manufacturers under statute; recommended to confirm current OCM guidance for retailers/wholesalers).mn+1pdf.pdf

Step 3: Create / log into Accela account

• Go to OCM’s business licensing page and follow the link to the OCM Accela Citizen Portal.OCM_Citizen_Portal_Application_Creation_User_Guide_tcm1202-669479.pdfmn+1

• Register for an account (or use the same one you used for prior hemp/LPHE or social equity processes), then sign in.OCM_Citizen_Portal_Application_Creation_User_Guide_tcm1202-669479.pdf

• From the home screen choose “Create an Application,” expand “Hemp / Lower‑Potency Hemp” and select the specific LPHE license type (retailer, manufacturer, or wholesaler).mn+1

Step 4: Complete the LPHE application in Accela

You will go through these main sections for each license type:mn+2

1. Applicant and contacts

   • Enter legal business name, DBA, tax ID, and contact roles (applicant, owner, authorized agent).OCM_Citizen_Portal_Application_Creation_User_Guide_tcm1202-669479.pdfmn

2. Business information and activities

   • Indicate LPHE products you’ll handle, business activities (e.g., retail, manufacturing, wholesaling, delivery, on‑site consumption), and any desired endorsements (retailer operations, delivery, on‑site consumption, edible handler, importer, etc. depending on license type).mnpdf.pdfmn

3. Location and FPOR

   • Provide the address and legal property description for each site, plus your finalized Site/Security/Operations plan for that location.pdf.pdfmn+1

4. Supporting documents

   • Upload required PDFs (trade name registration, photo ID, FPOR, LPA attestation if required, and any additional documents listed in the LPHE Application Review and Eligibility Guidance).mn+2

5. Certifications and fee payment

   • Check all acknowledgement boxes, review your entries, then pay the non‑refundable application fee via card or ACH.mn+1OCM_Citizen_Portal_Application_Creation_User_Guide_tcm1202-669479.pdf

Once payment is processed, your application is formally submitted and visible in your Accela account with a record number.mnOCM_Citizen_Portal_Application_Creation_User_Guide_tcm1202-669479.pdf

Step 5: OCM review and license issuance

• Beginning April 1, 2026, OCM accepts LPHE retailer, manufacturer, and wholesaler applications continuously and reviews them for minimum eligibility using the LPHE Review and Eligibility Guidance.mn+3

• If your application meets requirements, OCM issues your LPHE license; you can view and print the license for each approved site in your Accela attachments.mn+1

• LPHE licenses are not transferable; ownership changes require a new license, not a simple update.mnpdf.pdf

Extra step for LPHE retailers: Local retail registration

• After you receive your state LPHE retailer license, you must obtain a local retail registration from your city or county before starting LPHE sales.OCM_Qualified_Applicant_Guide_tcm1202-669481.pdfmnpdf.pdfmn

• Local governments cannot cap the number of LPHE retail registrations, but they can impose zoning, permitting, and compliance requirements you must satisfy.lmc+1pdf.pdf

If you tell me whether you are pursuing retailer, manufacturer, or wholesaler (and your city), I can list the exact documents and endorsements you should line up for that specific application.