At Carpfish Creative, we specialize in tailored Payment, Point of Sale, and ATM solutions, catering to diverse industries from high-risk sectors like cannabis to everyday small businesses and government entities. Our expert solutions advisors leverage decades of experience to navigate complex payment landscapes, ensuring you find the right fit for your needs. Partner with us to embrace innovative financial solutions that drive your business forward.

WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR PROJECT! Carpfish Creative works closely with local, regional and in some cases national partners in terms of advisors & consultants, lawyers and other canna businesses to help create a smooth transition into your canna business venture. From Initial Research all the way to daily ongoing operations, Carpfish Creative Advisors will put you on the best path for success. > Types of Canna Business License(s) available in your Area > What You should Be Doing Now > Determine Action Plan Needed To Win

The key “new” element driving 2026 House work on hemp and cannabis is that the 2025 omnibus cannabis law built in a January 15, 2026 report trigger and some 1/1/26 effective dates that now kicked in.​ We will update this article and repost as any new updates are entered. One big quesiton remains.... will the State of Minnesota once again increase the cannabis sales tax? OCM report due Jan 15, 2026 HF 1615 / SF 2370 (Ch. 31) requires the Office of Cannabis Management to deliver a proposal to the Legislature by January 15, 2026 on how to streamline the medical and adult‑use supply chains while preserving medical access (especially for rare and childhood diseases).​ That report is now due “this week,” so expect early‑session House hearings that use it as the organizing document for 2026 cannabis policy discussions (medical vs adult‑use integration, license types, product flows).​ 1/1/26 testing + LPHE enforcement Starting January 1, 2026, all testing for hemp‑derived cannabinoid products and LPHE must be done by OCM‑licensed testing labs under the 9810.3100 rules and OCM technical standards.​ OCM has also signaled stepped‑up enforcement after the October 2025 application window: unlicensed hemp‑derived THC sellers that have not entered the LPHE licensing pipeline are subject to enforcement, which is likely to generate oversight pressure and hearings at the House commerce/OCM‑related committees in 2026.​ 2026 Industrial Hemp program live The 2026 Industrial Hemp Program application cycle is open, with a hard April 30, 2026 deadline, updated fees, and mandatory pre‑harvest THC testing at $100 per regulatory sample.​ Crucially, extraction of cannabinoids from hemp is now regulated by OCM starting in 2026, so growers/processors that want to stay in the hemp‑derived THC space must interact with both MDA and OCM; that dual‑jurisdiction issue is a natural 2026 House topic.​ Federal hemp‑derived THC ban clock running Congress has changed the federal definition of hemp in a way that will effectively ban most hemp‑derived THC products by November 2026 if not amended, creating a one‑year policy window that Minnesota policymakers are already being warned about by the U of M Cannabis Research Center.​ Minnesota media and regional outlets are reporting that U.S. Senators and Representatives are working on new THC/hemp laws in response to the shutdown‑deal ban, and this is explicitly framed as a major issue for Minnesota’s hemp industry between now and late 2026.​ What is not updated yet As of mid‑January 2026, House Session Daily and the general schedules show no 2026‑specific cannabis/hemp policy bills beyond the existing 2025–26 HF files; committees have not yet posted detailed 2026 cannabis hearing agendas for after the February 17 session start.​ The underlying 2025 tax change (gross receipts tax increased to 15%) and the 2025 policy omnibus are still the operative framework; no new rate changes or structural overhauls have been enacted since that package.​ Specific 2025–26 HF numbers you care about (e.g., LPHE clarifications, canopy expansion, event sales, municipal bans) have been entered yet.

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. 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.

Cannaspire/Carpfish Creative Webinar: Minnesota and Federal Updates from Jan 6, 2026. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By: * Warren Harasz Chief Compliance Officer @ Cannaspire | Business Licensing, Compliance Strategy ▶️ READ THE FULL BREAKDOWN @ CANNASPIRE After decades of federal inaction, we’re finally witnessing a significant shift in cannabis policy. The Trump administration has directed agencies to pursue rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. This change could reshape the business landscape for operators, investors, and regulators. Understanding the Implications But what does this actually mean? Here’s Warren's breakdown from the compliance and operational side. 1. 280E Relief Changes Everything If cannabis moves to Schedule III, 280E goes away. This change means: Lower effective tax rates Higher real profitability Greater pricing flexibility New life for distressed operators This is the single biggest financial shift the industry has ever seen. 2. Rescheduling Does Not Legalize Cannabis It's important to note that rescheduling does not mean cannabis is fully legalized. Key points include: No interstate commerce No federal adult-use program No safe harbor for non–DEA-registered distribution This is just the beginning of normalization—not the finish line. 3. Banking May Improve, but AML Lives On Expect more banks and credit unions to enter the cannabis space. However, remember: BSA/AML rules still apply. Enhanced due diligence is here to stay. Your compliance program becomes your creditworthiness. Cannabis banking won’t be a free-for-all; it will favor well-documented, well-run operators. 4. New Competition Is Coming Lower taxes and federal acknowledgment of medical use will attract Big Pharma, Big Tobacco, Big Alcohol, and private equity back into the market. This will accelerate: M&A activity Consolidation Demand for pharma-grade documentation and controls Higher expectations for QA, GMP alignment, and SOP maturity Operators who treat compliance like an asset—not a chore—will win. 5. The Downsides: Lawsuits & FDA Risk Nothing in cannabis comes without turbulence. Here’s what to watch for: Lawsuits challenging the rescheduling process Potential injunctions delaying implementation Increased FDA involvement for certain product categories More scrutiny for ingestibles, claims, and manufacturing controls This could become the most regulated version of cannabis we’ve ever seen. 6. Hemp-Derived THC Will Face Pressure With the federal crackdown already underway, expect: A unified THC regulatory framework Stricter oversight of hemp-derived intoxicants A shrinking gray market The delta-8 era is not long for this world. What Should Businesses Do Now? Strategic Recommendations Here’s what Warren is advising Cannaspire clients to do: ✔ Prepare for 280E to end—without assuming it’s immediate. ✔ Upgrade compliance systems toward FDA-level expectations. ✔ Consolidate SOPs, logs, and training into an auditable structure. ✔ Strengthen banking relationships proactively. ✔ Scenario-plan for litigation delays or partial reversals. The Compliance Era Begins Rescheduling marks the start of a compliance era—not just a tax break. If you’d like help preparing your operation for this next phase, Cannaspire is here to support everything from compliance infrastructure to SOP development to operational readiness.

Contact Carpfish Creative to get your customer low price Payment Processing, Point of Sale, Customer Loyalty and more! Don’t miss out! • Subscribe to our Creative Network Updates Enter your email here...* Join You Have Needs. We have Solutions. We Should Talk. Please fill out the form below, and the appropriate advisor network partners will reach out to you in a very timely manner. You can also send an email to info@carpfishccreative.com Or simply give a call: 952-324-6428 First Name Last Name Phone Email What areas can we help? Joining the Creative Network Business Funding (Includes Cannabis) Cannabis Investment High-Risk Payments Onsite ATMs Project Management Seed-to-Sale Solutions Business AI Hardware/Software Procurement Equipment Procurement Point of Sale Selection Customer Engagement Onboarding & Payroll Rebates & Grants Business Tax Credits Business Startups Cannabis Applications Sales Enablement Retail Buildouts Events & Marketing Payments (Cash or Card) Payments (Goverment) Payments (B2B Tier Discounts) Invocing/ACH Payments Other Additonal Notes Submit Thanks for submitting! We will be in touch shortly...

Carpfish Creative collaborates with top names in the national Cannabis industry to ensure the success of your projects from approval to launch. Get in touch today to learn more about how to launch your Minnesota Cannabis Business successfully Minnesota Cannabis Rollout Hub Minnesota’s 2025 cannabis rollout marks the launch of a highly regulated adult-use market, focused on promoting equity and public health while tightly controlling entry and compliance. The process is complex for new business owners: a competitive license lottery, strict state and local requirements, and rapidly changing regulations shape a challenging landscape. Entrepreneurs must secure approvals for business plans, location, compliance protocols, and social equity status, often while navigating capital demands and local zoning uncertainty. Those prepared to act early, remain adaptable, and maintain detailed compliance will be best positioned to succeed in Minnesota’s emerging cannabis marketplace. Crapfish Creative teams up with the Cannabis industry's best to ensure your transition into the market goes as smoothly as possible. Creative Network Vendor Directory Creative Network's Job Posting MN Cannabis Licenses for Sale Cannabis Investment Oppertunities Software & Hardware Procurement Equipment & Supplies Procurement The Difficulties of Opening a Cannabis Business in Minnesota Minnesota’s business licensing landscape is uniquely demanding due to several factors: Lottery and Limitations: With retail, cultivation, and manufacturing licenses capped, most hopefuls must win a competitive state-run lottery before even considering operations—odds are slim, and only a small percentage of applicants are awarded licenses per cycle. Complex Regulations: Entrepreneurs must prepare extensive business plans, location documentation, security systems, detailed SOPs, and comply with both state and rapidly evolving local municipal rules. Local Zoning & Permitting: Cities and counties wield strong control over location approval and operational restrictions—many localities are still finalizing cannabis ordinances, creating delays or uncertainty for those awarded state licenses. Social Equity Verification: Early rounds prioritize social equity applicants; verifying eligibility adds another layer of paperwork and, sometimes, confusion. True Party of Interest & Ownership Restrictions: Strict state rules limit cross-ownership and require clear disclosures, making it difficult for larger entities or outside investors to participate on multiple licenses. Capital & Inspection Demands: Once chosen, businesses must quickly secure funding, lock down compliant real estate, and pass local/state regulatory inspections, often within tight deadlines before provisional licenses expire. Dynamic Environment: Application timelines, rulemaking, and license lottery schedules have seen repeated adjustments and deficiency notices—operators must be vigilant and nimble in tracking and meeting requirements Approvals Needed Right Now to Open Completed state application via OCM portal: Includes all legal, business, operational, and equity documentation. Local zoning approval: City/community endorsement and compliance with municipal regulations. Location control: Lease/purchase agreements in place before licensing conversion. Finalized Business plan and SOPs: Comprehensive business, staffing, inventory management, security, and compliance plans. Labor peace agreement: Proof of policy with staff/labor unions (if applicable). Background checks: Required by the Office of Cannabis Management before license issuance. Inspection readiness: Preparing the store for local and state facility checks before opening. A retail license if opening a retail storefront is needed in most muncipalities. Business owners should monitor the Office of Cannabis Management website, confirm eligibility, gather documents, and promptly address any deficiency notices this month through the next application and lottery cycles Minnesota Cannabis Licenses For Sale Minnesota Farms Minnesota Retail License Minnesota Cannabis Licenses For Sale 1/7 1 2 Cannabis HRMS In Action: Streamlining Hiring, Onboarding, Payroll & 401(k) With Green Leaf Business Solutions Thu, Jan 15 Online Zoom Webinar Cannabis HR is complicated enough. On January 15, 2026, join this live online session to see how Green Leaf Business Solutions helps cannabis employers manage hiring, electronic onboarding, payroll, and a fully integrated 401(k) in one cannabis-ready HRMS. Details Minnesota Cannabis Investor Happy Hour Meetup: ZOOM Meetup Thu, Jan 15 Zoom Meetup Join Minnesota cannabis founders, operators, and investors for an informal happy hour focused on real conversations, deal flow, and what’s next for the state’s cannabis market. Network with vetted entrepreneurs, learn what investors are actually looking for in 2025, and build relationships that... Details Cannabis Funding & Banking +Q/A with FundCanna & Safe Harbor Financial Tue, Jan 20 Zoom Meetup Learn how cannabis license holders can unlock cash flow with Safe Harbor Financial & FundCanna’s ReadyPaid, plus federal banking updates.... Details Load More Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management Overviews OCM Webinars Cannabis Market Monitor Best Value Creative Network: Free Membership $0 $ 0 Get started with essential resources and connect with the cannabis community. Select Access to premium industry articles & resources Industry Networking Opportunities Industry Email and Newsletter Updates Community Forum Access (Dropping soon) Best Value Creative Network +Minnesota $89 $ 89 Every month Insider access to exclusive deals, vendor directory, and premium content. Also include MN Cannabis GTP v1.2 (Not included in Trial) Select Access to the Creative Network's MN Cannabis GTP v1.2 Access to the Creative Network Vendor Network Bi-Weekly Friday (12PM CST) Group Check-ins on Zoom Access to ALL featured industry articles & resource Insider market reports & analysis Creative Network-only Discounts & Deals Monthly webinars & events recordings Popup networking events first access Vendor Networking Opportunities Business Resources & Templates Custom Forum (Coming soon) Minnesota Cannabis Rollout Options from the Creative Network Find one that works for you

Partner with Carpfish Creative for expert cannabis business funding solutions, ensuring your project succeeds from approval to launch. Cannabis Licenses & Matchmaking Welcome to Carpfish Creative’s cannabis license services. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a cannabis license, we provide expert guidance and an unparalleled network to support your success. We work with top brokers across the U.S. for broad reach and access. Get Started Ready to buy or sell a cannabis license? Contact CarpFish Creative today, and partner with a team that combines national reach, local insight, and a proven track record in government RFPs and cannabis licensing. Unlock your next business opportunity with Carpfish Creative – where strategy meets results. Have questions, reach out: info@carpfishcreative.com or Get in Touch Looking to Buy, Sell, or Invest/Partner? We should Talk > From looking to get into the cannabis industry, to A-Z sourcing for your project needs (including project management) we got you covered. Let's Talk 8 days to the event Tue, Feb 10 Seed-to-Sale ERP Software: Canix / ZOOM Meetup (link after registration) RSVP Required Feb 10, 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM CST ZOOM Meetup (link after registration) The webinar opens with a clear positioning of why seed-to-sale software matters in modern cannabis operations, establishing the critical nature of this decision for business success. Load More For Buyers Identification of available licenses nationwide. Due diligence and compliance assessment. Negotiation and transaction management. Transition assistance post-purchase. Our Process Consultation & Assessment Confidential review of your goals and market position. Market Matchmaking Leveraging our broker network to identify ideal opportunities. Transaction Execution End-to-end management of negotiations, contracts, and compliance. Post-Transaction Support Help with license transfer, continued compliance, and operational ramp-up. For Sellers License valuation and market positioning. Access to pre-qualified buyers. Discreet and strategic listing services. Guidance through closing and regulatory transfer. Partnerships/Projects for Investors Purchase or Sell a Cannabis License First name* Last name* Email* Company name Phone Purchasing/Selling License?* File upload Upload File(s) Additional Details Next