Budding small business owners stuck in limbo amid cannabis license delays
Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana in 2023, and estimates then said that recreational marijuana would be legal by March of this year.
Eric Taubel, Interim Director at the Office of Cannabis Management, said licenses will be issued in the coming weeks, thanks to recently released rules.
To the dismay of small business owners, retail shop licensing continues to be delayed.
Andrew Caruthers, the owner of Twin Cities High in Golden Valley, opened his shop in 2023, selling CBD and THC products.
In preparation to sell marijuana, he has spent $50,000 to get ready, but now it's the waiting game to start selling.
"I initially was thinking possibly six months, you know, I thought summer of last year we would be open almost for sure" said Caruthers.
When he gets a license, he worries about product shortages and high costs. All marijuana sold legally in the state must be grown in Minnesota.
The Office of Cannabis Management estimates 1.5 million square feet of growing area is needed. Minnesota only has 69,000 square feet available.
"I am anticipating a slow rollout. Maybe we will have product for a few days, and then sell out, and we may not get more for a couple of weeks." said Caruthers, "It's like that everywhere it's become legal, the prices definitely start out."
