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Get ready for the Lucky Leaf Expo, the premier cannabis convention coming to Minneapolis from February 28 - March 1, 2025! This must-attend event for cannabis professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Here is a quick breakdown of where you can find us... Wednesday, Feb 26 Weekly canna club meetup at Earl Giles We will have several national partners & friends attending this event. We will be introducing them to the community, answering people's applications and ongoing business questions. Come out and meet up and learn some cool things. Thursday, Feb 27 8:00 - 4:00 PM: We will be @ Lucky Leaf's Pre-Show Crash Course assisting Carpfish Creative will be on the Retail Panel: Marketing and Branding @ 2:00 PM CST. 4:00 - 5:30 PM: OCM's Office Hours Series: Transporter and Delivery Service Application Guidance (Matt's Basement). 5:30 - 7:00 PM: Sota Cann Happy Hour https://sotacann.org/events 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Cultivating Connections with Sumain Roots & Sweed They will have a presentation around 7 PM Event Info & Registratio n Friday, Feb 28 8:00 - 4:00 PM: Lucky Leaf Conference and Expo Carpfish folks and a bunch of our national partners will be in attendance/sessions the entire day. RSVP above to catch a time to meet up or to get a hint on which sessions to attend. Event Info & Registration (CannaConnect saves 25%) Use code CannaConnect to save 25% 5:00 - 11:00 PM: Official Lucky Leaf After Party, Hosted by CannaConnect Free for Lucky Leaf attendees, pricing varies for others Event Info & Registration Event Info & Registration Saturday, March 1 Use code CannaConnect to save 25% SEE ALL EVENTS CARPFISH CREATIVE IS HOSTING and/or ATTENDING

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is gearing up to accept cannabis business license applications from February 18 to March 14! Here's what you need to know: 📅 Mark your calendars: Feb 12: Final day to respond to OCM rulemaking changes Feb 14: Additional info available at mn.gov/ocm Feb 18: Application window opens March 14: Application window closes Carpfish Creative Upcoming Zoom Webinar Schedule: Zoom Meetup Q/A: Cannabis Banking & Funding II  (Feb 13, 1-2 PM CST) 🌱💼 Navigating the Minnesota Application & Licensure Process with Cannaspire  (Feb 20, 1-2 PM CST) SEE ALL CARPFISH EVENTS AND LUCKY LEAF INFO OCM Webinars: Don't miss the virtual office hours from the OCM to learn more: Feb 20: Microbusiness, Mezzobusiness, Retailer Feb 25: Testing, Manufacturer, Cultivator, Wholesaler Feb 27: Transporter, Delivery Servic e OCM CanRenew Grant Updates OCM will also host an informational webinar series to guide prospective CanRenew grant applicants through the request for proposals process.   CanRenew Grant Informational and Technical Assistance Session Friday, February 21, 2025, 10:30 a.m. - noon  Register Here   CanRenew Grant Informational and Technical Assistance Session Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 9-10:30 a.m.  Register Here   CanRenew Grant Informational and Technical Assistance Session Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 2-3:30 p.m.  Register Here   The request for proposals, application instructions, and eligibility requirements are available on the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management website: CanRenew Grant / Office of Cannabis Management   ---------------------- Updates on the Minnesota Application Process Applications open for various license types including microbusiness, cultivator, retailer, and more on February 18. Additional information and technical resources for applicants will be available at  mn.gov/ocm  beginning Feb. 14. Social equity applicants get 50% of capped licenses reserved: Mezzobusiness (50), Cultivator (25), Manufacturer (12), Retailer (75). Uncapped licenses are reviewed on a rolling basis 211 applicants from the previous preapproval process opted to be included in this cycle. Once the application window opens on the 18th, they will receive instructions from the OCM regarding completing requirements to provide a labor peace agreement, pass a background check, secure local zoning compliance and site registration approvals, and pass an inspection Previously Denies Applicants During the Preapproval Round If an applicant was denied during the preapproval process and opted to continue with the upcoming license round, OCM will provide more information, time, and flexibility to remedy the application's issues.  Lotteries for capped licenses are expected in May-June If a SEA applicant isn't selected during the first lottery, they will be entered into the second ----------------------------------- #MNCannabis #CannabisLicensing #GreenEntrepreneurs #MinnesotaCannabis

The link to the Minnesota OCM document can be found here: :

This Zoom meetup provides a comprehensive open Q&A web-based discussion for Minnesota cannabis entrepreneurs to gain a better understanding and manage risks specific to cannabis facilities. From security, government regulations (as of now), and location selection, even a few tips and tricks. Panel: Warren Harasz, PHD, Chief Compliance Office @ Cannaspire 610-933-5181 | wharasz@cannaspire.com Patrick Monagahan, Director of Sales/Development @ Cannasprie 561-665-0817 Mobile | pmonaghan@cannaspire.com Matt Carpentier "Carp", Owner/Advisor @ Carpfish Creative 952-324-6428 Mobile | carp@carpfishcreative.com AI Zoom Recap The meeting discussed the challenges and opportunities in Minnesota's cannabis industry, including the new rules coming into effect and the potential for a large number of applicants. The importance of location, personnel development, financial forecasting, and partnerships in the industry was also emphasized. Concerns were raised about the 70% rule, the potential for license holders' information to be made public, and the challenges of compliance and fines. Some next steps discussed... Attendees to contact their municipal officials to understand local regulations and fees for cannabis businesses. Interested applicants to prepare application materials, including business plans and financial projections, ahead of the February-March licensing window. Potential licensees to consider partnerships with other operators to differentiate their products in the market. Applicants to research and select cannabis-friendly banks for their business accounts. Interested parties to review the 122-page draft regulations and provide feedback on the state website by February 12th. Potential cultivators to evaluate options for indoor/outdoor cultivation based on the new 10,000 sq ft allowance for microbusinesses. Manufacturers to assess product strategies in light of the 70% THC cap rule. Attendees to review follow-up materials provided by Matt, including links to zoning information, salary overviews, and state feedback portals. Summary The meeting proceeded with Warren, the chief compliance officer at Cannaspire, presenting an overview of their work and the Minnesota market. Carpfish moderated the meeting, encouraging participants to ask questions and address them as they arose. The meeting was set to discuss the new rules coming into effect on Monday and the potential for a large number of applicants in the coming month. Minnesota Cannabis Industry Opportunities Warren, a consultant for cannabis businesses, discussed the opportunities and challenges in Minnesota's cannabis industry. He explained the different license types available, including retail dispensary, cultivation, wholesale transporter, and event organizer licenses. He highlighted the changes in the micro business regulations, which now may allow for 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor cultivation. He also discussed the potential for consumption lounges and the cannabis event organizer license, which allows on-site consumption with municipal approval. Warren emphasized the unique low overhead, and high revenue opportunities in the Minnesota market, such as farmers markets, grower competitions, and food trucks. He also mentioned the vertical license, which allows for 15,000 square feet of indoor canopy or one acre of outdoor cultivation, up to three retail locations, and the ability to manufacture hemp, adult use, and medical products within the state. Minnesota Cannabis Licensing Process Warren discussed the upcoming Minnesota cannabis licensing process, which is expected to begin once the new draft regulations are finalized. He highlighted the potential for cannabis grower grants and the importance of a well-prepared application, including an abbreviated business plan, capitalization table, security plan, and operational plan. He also noted that the application process will be a general lottery, with over 260 applicants rejected in the first round of social equity licenses. Warren's team, Cannaspire, successfully handled all 15 applications in the first social equity round, with all accepted. The timeline for the 2025 licensing cycle was also discussed, with the deadline to request a refund for the social equity round already passed. Location, Partnerships, and Business Planning Warren discussed the importance of location for businesses, particularly dispensaries, in Minnesota. He noted that the average dispensary nationally makes about $2 to $2.5 million, but this can vary greatly depending on location. He advised all attendees to make contact with municipal management to understand how many licenses will be given out and what the municipality's stance is on the number of dispensaries per 12,500 people. Warren also emphasized the importance of knowing one's partners and having a business plan. He suggested that attendees start contacting their municipalities to sway decisions at city council meetings. He also highlighted the need for facility development, cost management, and realistic timelines. Lastly, he stressed the importance of personnel development and establishing an org chart. Key Competencies in Cultivation and Market Warren discussed the importance of understanding key competencies in cultivation, such as the role of a master grower or director of cultivation. He also presented a sample personnel chart for a small manufacturing company and a pro forma startup requirement for a New Jersey-based clean room manufacturing facility. Warren emphasized the need to consider operating expenses, such as plant tags, seed to sale tracking software, RFID scanners, and employee training. He also highlighted the importance of knowing the market, including the number of people in the municipality, the distance to the nearest town that opted in, and the key business partners for the license type. Warren concluded by stressing the importance of a profitable business with a profitable pro forma, using an actual dispensary in New Jersey as an example. Securing Business License and Funding Warren emphasized the importance of having a solid financial forecast and business plan for investors and the state. He also highlighted the need for a realistic projection and seeking funding or help. Warren suggested working with an experienced person to obtain a business license quickly and avoid corrections. He also advised applying early to avoid website congestion and potential delays. Patrick confirmed this advice and asked if there was an advantage to applying early in the window. Warren agreed, stating that the sooner one applies, the sooner they can get reviewed and deal with any corrections or additional requests from the state. Q: Minnesota's 70% Rule and Manufacturing/Testing. Carpfish raised concerns about the 70% rule in the context of Minnesota's business environment, particularly in manufacturing. Warren explained that the rule is problematic because it limits the amount of manufactured goods that can be produced, especially for distillate extraction which often exceeds 90% THC. He suggested that the rule might be revised before finalization. Patrick added that Ohio has a similar rule and it's unclear whether it applies to all processes or just the final product. Q: Aaron asked about the benefits of reapplying for a social equity round after being denied, to which Patrick responded that it might be beneficial to reapply rather than going for a general license. Capped License Value and Adjustments Warren and Patrick discussed the potential value of obtaining a capped license for a cannabis business. Warren suggested that having a capped license could increase the perceived value of a company, making it more attractive to investors. He also advised Aaron, who was pursuing a micro business license, to consider the general licensing round instead of re-verifying for social equity due to the time and effort involved. Warren also clarified that if a company raises more funds in the future, adjustments to the cap can be made, but this would depend on the legal structure of the deal. Q: Carpfish raised a question about the specifications for a combination of indoor and outdoor grow, which was left unanswered. Cannabis Cultivation Strategies and Challenges Warren discussed the limitations and potential strategies for cannabis cultivation in different states, particularly New York and Minnesota. He suggested that states might allow only one type of cultivation at a time, with the possibility of transitioning between outdoor and indoor cultivation. He also mentioned the challenges of product delays and the potential for medical licensees to dominate the market in Minnesota. Carpfish added that there is a period for public feedback on the rules until February 12th, and encouraged people to use this opportunity to formulate responses. Cannabis Industry Partnerships and Challenges Warren discussed the importance of partnerships and unique selling points in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for boutique micro businesses to stand out from larger operators. He also highlighted the challenges faced by reservations in the industry, such as compliance with state regulations. Patrick addressed questions about product volume and the potential for license holders' information to be made public. Warren and Carpfish agreed on the importance of maintaining quality and niche markets in the industry. The conversation ended with a discussion on the number of potential applicants for licenses and the importance of checking with municipalities for local rules and fees. Minnesota Cannabis Banking and Rules The meeting discussed banking options and requirements for cannabis businesses in Minnesota. Warren advised looking into fees, and requirements like providing a website and business plan to banks and building a relationship with the banker. He mentioned challenges around federal regulations like IRS reporting. Carpfish noted the recent release of rules by the state regulator, which expanded security requirements but lacked details on payments and payroll. There is frustration that the final rules will come after the application window closes. The THC potency limit of 70% is concerning for some manufacturers dealing in vape products. The two major medical manufacturers just announced expansion plans, positioning them well for the new market. Cannabis Operators, Compliance, and Equity Carpfish and Patrick discussed the importance of forming a community for cannabis operators, drawing from their experiences in Missouri. They also discussed the challenges of compliance and fines, emphasizing the need for clear rules. Patrick expressed concern about the 70% rule in Ohio and its potential impact on Minnesota's draft rules. Carpfish mentioned the phased rollout of equity and the potential impact on farmers. They also discussed the complexity of the rules, with Carpfish noting that the state site allows for public feedback. The conversation ended with Carpfish offering to provide links to relevant information and resources, and the attendees expressing gratitude for the session.