The Perfect Launch: Do’s and Don’ts of Cannabis Startups in Minnesota

August 9, 2025 | 12:15 pm | Room 2 | Operations Management

Learn how to launch a successful and compliant cannabis business in Minnesota. Industry experts Munir Haque of Cure8, Brytany Melville of Forte Operations, and other presenters will cover all the key things to know about how to go from licensed to launched, based on their experience starting and managing hundreds of cannabis facilities throughout the US and Canada. The session will cover facility design, security, IT, hiring, initial marketing and branding, and more.

Munir Haque, VP of Operations, Cure8

Munir is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced cannabis retail experts in North America. He specializes in retail technology and security, and has worked closely with cannabis retailers to design, set up, and manage over 100 dispensaries in the last few years. His clients include leading brands like Tokyo Smoke, Superette, and Bullrider.

One thing that sets Munir apart is that he has deep, ground-level experience in retail management, so he understands the day-to-day needs and frustrations of retail managers and employees better than most.

When not helping aspiring cannabis retailers make their dream dispensaries a reality, Munir can be found strumming his electric guitar, in the stands at a Dodger game, or spending as much quality time as possible with his wife Maria and son Aiden.