Cannabis Business Registration Information

State Cannabis Business License

A new law enacted at the end of the 2023 legislative session legalizes adult–use cannabis in Minnesota and establishes a regulatory framework over the cannabis industry. The law established a new "Office of Cannabis Management” that will release applications, issue licenses, and develop regulations outlining how and when businesses can participate in the new adult-use industry in Minnesota. 

The new state agency will develop the regulatory framework for legal adult cannabis, and establish processes and timelines to apply for licenses.

The City will provide further information regarding cannabis licensing and regulations available on the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management's website. 

State Cannabis Sales Tax

 Starting July 1, 2023, all sellers of taxable cannabis products must register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue to remit the new Cannabis Tax. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Revenue's website.

City of Anoka Adopted Cannabis Business Registration Ordinance 

Municipalities are required to allow operation of cannabis businesses licensed by the State. Once the State license is issued, the City will regulate these businesses locally by issuing a Local Business Registration. At least once a year, cities are required to conduct compliance checks of every cannabis and hemp business.

The City of Anoka City Council adopted Chapter 22 Article XIV Regulation of Adult Use Cannabis Business Operations on December 16, 2024.

 Local governments may limit the availability of local retail registrations for cannabis retailers, cannabis microbusinesses with retail endorsements, and cannabis mezzobusinesses with retail endorsements. If a city or county has a population between 1-12,500, they would be required to allow at least one (1) retail registration. If their population is between 12,501-25,000, they would be required to allow at least two (2) retail registrations, and so on. The City of Anoka is required by the State of Minnesota to allow at least two (2) Cannabis Retail Business Registrations. The Anoka City Council approved a maximum of two (2) registrations for privately-operated Cannabis Retail Businesses. On February 3, 2025, a policy outlining the process of selection for one registration out of multiple applicants was approved by the City Council. 

A City may impose an initial retail registration fee of $500 or up to half the amount of the State’s license fee, whichever is less. Anoka is charging a fee amount of $500.00.

Zoning and Location for a Cannabis Retail Business

Under State Statute 342 local governments play a critical role in the licensing process, serving as a near final approvals for a cannabis retail business nearing award of a State license from the OCM. Once the Applicant is vetted and the OCM and is selected to proceed in the verification process. The Applicant is then required to receive the City’s certification of zoning compliance and be approved of local registration before operations may commence. 

State law also allows cities to establish buffers from schools, daycares, residential treatment facilities or attractions within a public park that are regularly used by minors, including playgrounds and athletic fields.  The City of Anoka buffer map maintains a 500-foot distance from the uses mentioned.

Article V of the Zoning Ordinance makes Cannabis Retailer Businesses a permitted use in certain zones and are outside the 500-foot buffer use mention above.

The City of Anoka Zoning Map reflects zoning districts that allow the uses.

The following districts are amended for use:  B-1 Highway Business; B-2 Shopping Center Business;  B-5 Regional Business;  B-6 Neighborhood Commercial; Main Street Mixed Use, West Main Street Subdistrict and East Main Street Subdistrict 3.

FAQs

What Cannabis business types are allowed by Zoning? 

Answer:  Only Cannabis Retail Businesses will be allowed in the City of Anoka. No other Cannabis related uses are permitted at this time.

How many private Cannabis Retail Business Registrations will be made available by the City of Anoka?

Answer: Based on Anoka's population two (2) private business registration will be allowed according to the adopted local ordinance.

Do I have to obtain a license or pre-approval from the State of Minnesota before the City can approve a business registration?

Answer: Yes. See the MN Office of Cannabis Management for details how to obtain the State License. Only those with a license or pre-approval will be allowed to register.

For More Information

For the Cannabis Registration process contact Doug Borglund, Community Development Director, 763-576-2723

For zoning for Cannabis Retail Businesses, contact Clark Palmer, City Planner, 763-576-2728