When can you expect dispensaries to open in Minnesota?
The establishment of the program responsible for overseeing dispensaries is expected to be a complex and time-consuming undertaking. This is primarily due to the fact that the Office of Cannabis Management, which will oversee the program, does not currently exist and needs to be created from scratch.
To effectively manage the program and ensure its smooth functioning, it is projected that the Office of Cannabis Management will require approximately 100 employees. Hiring and assembling a capable team of individuals with the appropriate expertise and experience can be a meticulous and time-intensive process. Considering the various administrative tasks involved in establishing the Office of Cannabis Management and assembling a competent workforce, the setup process is likely to take a considerable amount of time. The Office of Cannabis Management will undertake another significant responsibility. namely rule making. This process involves the regulatory agency's development of precise rules and regulations to effectively implement the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the enacted law and legislature.
Considering the time required for the establishment of the program, regulations, and the subsequent licensing process, it is expected that the first dispensaries will likely open their doors to the public in late 2024 or early 2025. This timeline accounts for the implementation of necessary regulatory frameworks, the submission and review of license applications, and the completion of any additional requirements imposed on prospective dispensary operators.