Cannabis Licensing, Social Equity, and Compliance in Minnesota: What you need to know

August 17, 2024 | 1:00 pm | Room 2 | Business / Legal

Join the Office of Cannabis Management for an exploration of the evolving regulatory landscape within the cannabis industry in Minnesota. This presentation will provide insights into the license types available, including the intricacies of third-party ownership interests, the qualifications required for social equity applicants, and we will highlight the Can Grow and Can Renew grant programs designed to support eligible communities. Participants will also gain a sneak peek into the director’s version of the first draft of the new rules, offering a glimpse of what the future holds for the industry. In addition, we will present a snapshot of the latest data, showcasing the number of social equity verified entities and individuals within our ecosystem. By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of the regulatory structure of the Minnesota cannabis industry and the opportunities it presents for businesses and social equity applicants alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and ahead in this rapidly developing field.

Jess Jackson, Director of Social Equity, Office of Cannabis Management

Jess Jackson, M.ED, MBA is the Director of Social Equity at the Office of Cannabis Management. Jess brings extensive expertise in health equity, nonprofit development, and regulatory strategy to her role at the Office of Cannabis Management. Previously, Jess served as Director of External Affairs and Social Equity at Common Citizen, Michigan’s largest vertically integrated cannabis producer, where she managed substantial reinvestment portfolios and pioneered innovative community benefit programs, earning recognition from state regulators. In addition to her cannabis industry experience, Jess has made significant contributions to nonprofit development and evaluation. She has worked with organizations such as the Michigan College Access Network, Teach for America, National College Advising Corps, The Redemption Foundation, Pink Sesh, National Expungement Works, and Michigan NORML. Jess’s dedication to social responsibility and equity is evident in her impactful work across multiple sectors, positioning her as a leader in both cannabis regulation and nonprofit management.

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Max Zappia, Chief Regulatory Officer, Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management

Max Zappia joined OCM from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, where he was Deputy Commissioner of Financial Institutions and oversaw the teams that worked on regulation of state-chartered banks, state-chartered credit unions, and non-depository (non-bank) financial institutions licensed in Minnesota, encompassing finance companies, mortgage-related businesses, and money transmitters. While at Commerce, Zappia worked on issues related to cannabis banking, including developing regulatory guidance for Minnesota financial institutions for hemp banking and interstate efforts to clarify federal cannabis banking regulations.

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