Minn. Stat. 342.17 grants priority cannabis licensing to social equity applicants including residents of high-cannabis-enforcement areas, veterans, and prior cannabis-offense individuals across Hennepin County.
Minnesota established a social equity applicant track under Minn. Stat. 342.17, granting priority licensing windows and reduced fees to qualifying applicants. Eligible applicants include those with prior cannabis convictions, residents of designated high-enforcement census tracts (including portions of north Minneapolis and parts of Hennepin County), veterans with disqualifying cannabis offenses, and emerging farmers. The OCM reviews social equity applications first in licensing rounds. Hennepin County cities may not impose additional eligibility hurdles but may provide local incubation space and outreach grants supporting these applicants.
Misrepresenting social equity status on a state cannabis application triggers denial, license revocation, and potential perjury or fraud charges under state law.
See how Hennepin County's social equity licensing rules stack up against other locations.
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