Hemp-Derived THC Corner
Hemp-Derived THC in Minnesota: What You Need to Know
Minnesota’s hemp-derived THC market is changing fast. With new licensing requirements, shifting labeling rules, and increased oversight, businesses can no longer treat hemp as the “easy lane” it once was. Every retailer, manufacturer, and wholesaler must submit an application to the Office of Cannabis Management this October—or risk losing the ability to sell products starting November 1.
At North Star Cannabis Consulting, we help hemp entrepreneurs understand the rules, stay compliant, and avoid costly mistakes. From navigating licenses to preparing for labeling changes, we provide the guidance and resources you need to keep your business running smoothly in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Minnesota LPHE Licensing is Now Closed
OCM was accepting license applications for three new license types in October 2025:
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lower-potency hemp edible retailers,
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lower-potency hemp edible manufacturers, and
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lower-potency hemp edible wholesalers.
These licenses will replace the earlier registration system for hemp-derived THC retailers in Minnesota. However, conversion is not automatic. Each registered business must file licensure paperwork with OCM in October, or they will no longer allowed to be part of the hemp-derived THC industry.
PLEASE NOTE: OCM will bring enforcement actions against unlicensed sellers of hemp-derived products, who have not submitted an LPHE license application, are not in the application process for a cannabis business license or have not successfully obtained a cannabis business license.
Resources from OCM
Learn more about what these various licenses allow their holders to do, and how to apply.
Five Hot Tips for MN LPHE License Applications
(10/22/25) OCM Published guide with tips to help guide your application process.
Hemp Registrant to License Holder Conversion Guide
(updated 9/19/25) This guide includes an overview of next steps for current hemp-derived cannabis business registrants who plan to apply for a hemp or cannabis license.
Hemp Businesses in Minnesota: A guide for lower-potency hemp edible license applicants
(updated 9/19/25) This guide outlines the LPHE licensure timeline, types of licenses and endorsements available, allowable business activities, and product requirements.
From Start to License: Your Path to Lower-Potency Hemp Licensing in Minnesota
(updated 9/19/25) This graphic provides an overview of LPHE licensing steps and a timeline for LPHE licensing.
Navigating Hemp Licensing Chart
(updated 9/19/25) This document shows businesses which hemp activities are allowable for each license and endorsement type. Using this chart, businesses can find which license and endorsement they will need.
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Lower-Potency Hemp Edible License Application Review and Qualifications Guidance
(updated 9/19/25) This guide explains what materials and information an applicant needs when filling out the application for LPHE manufacturer, retailer, or wholesaler license. This document contains details about what application reviewers will look for to establish minimum qualifications and will be the primary tool for application reviews. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the tables in Appendix A to complete their application and ensure the information provided meets minimum qualifications.
Instructions for Diagram of Hemp Manufacturing Facility
(updated 9/19/25) This document provides instructions and requirements for creating a diagram of site layout for a LPHE manufacturing facility, as well as an example diagram.
Lower-Potency Hemp Edible: Site, Security, and Operations Plan Final Plan of Record
This is a fillable online form. Complete the form online with the link provided above once you are preliminarily approved. A PDF copy will be automatically emailed to you upon submission and will need to be uploaded to your application in Accela. Important: Failure to upload your completed online forms to Accela will result in your application being marked as incomplete.
Navigating Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Licenses, on Tuesday, Oct. 7
OCM will be holding a webinar, Navigating Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Licenses, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from noon to 1 p.m. CDT. If you would like to attend, please register on Microsoft Teams.
