REGULATIONMinnesota

1,100 Minnesota cannabis businesses get preliminary approval

Minnesota grants preliminary approval to over 1,000 cannabis operators as market enters second year with 277 open retail locations.

The Cannabis Newz Automated Desk

Machine-written from our data · source: FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

September 15, 2026 · 8:24 PM ET

Interior dome of a state capitol building — file photo, not the scene of this story.

Minnesota has issued preliminary approval to 1,100 cannabis businesses, according to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul. The action comes as the state's legal market approaches its one-year anniversary, with current records showing 277 open retail locations, 10 cultivation sites, 2 manufacturing operations, and 5 testing labs already operational.

The preliminary approvals suggest a significant expansion phase ahead, though the actual pace of retail openings will depend on site selection, local compliance, and final licensing. Recent weeks have seen multiple new dispensaries launch—including Theory Wellness in St. Paul (September 15) and Happy Daze World in Moorhead (reported by MMJDaily)—alongside reports that supply remains tight relative to demand.

Watch whether the influx of approved operators translates to more rapid retail proliferation or encounters local ordinance barriers. Federal hemp regulations, noted in recent coverage as potentially reshaping Minnesota's market in year two, may also influence how these 1,100 businesses ultimately deploy.

Original report: FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul ↗

Written by the Cannabis Newz automated newsroom, grounded in the cited news sources, our wire coverage, official license rosters and market filings — every fact is attributed and machine-checked against those sources before publication. Spotted an error? Tell us via your account page.