Cannabis Business Registration

Cannabis Retail Business Registration

The City of East Grand Forks limited cannabis retail locations at two, the city opened a registration application process from July 23, 2025 to August 6, 2025.  Any business that was interested in the two possible retail locations located within city limits had to apply within that time frame to be included in the lottery process that was held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the East Grand Forks City Hall.

From the lottery process, two applicants were selected along with two alternates in the case the first business was not able to complete the necessary steps within the allowed time frame.  No other applications for retail locations are being accepted. 

Cannabis Retail Business Registration Fees

  • Microbusiness:    No Initial Fee - Renewal Fee $1,000
  • Mezzobusiness:   Initial Fee $500 - Renewal Fee $1,000
  • Retailer:   Initial Fee $500 - Renewal Fee $1,000

The cannabis business registration will need to be renewed annually.

Online Application for Other Cannabis Business Registration

Here is the link to the application for all other Cannabis Business Registration:  https://www.eastgrandforks.us/FormCenter/City-Forms-2/Other-Cannabis-Business-Registration-App-58

Other Cannabis Business Registration Fees

  • Cultivator:   Initial Fee $500 - Renewal Fee $1,000
  • Manufacturer:   Initial Fee $500 - Renewal Fee $1,000
  • Wholesaler:   Initial Fee $500 - Renewal Fee $1,000
  • Transporter:   Initial Fee $250 - Renewal Fee $500
  • Testing Facility:   Initial Fee $500 - Renewal Fee $1,000
  • Event Organizer or Attending Business Participant/Vendor:   Initial Fee $375 - No Renewal
  • Delivery Service:   Initial Fee $250 - Renewal Fee $500
  • Medical Cannabis Combination Business:  Initial Fee $500 - Renewal Fee $1,000

Please contact the Administration Office at (218) 773-2483 to pay the registration fee over the phone or talk to staff about alternate payment methods. 

The cannabis business registration will need to be renewed annually.

Cannabis Business Regulations

The City of East Grand Forks has adopted Ordinance 43 to regulate cannabis and lower-potency hemp edible businesses.  Cannabis businesses need to be located in certain zoning districts and cannot be located within the cannabis buffer zones.  Ordinance 47 does amend sections 120.04 (F) and 120.09 of Ordinance 43.  

The city is following the process which has been set up by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.  The process states that no individual or entity may sell or offer to sell any approved product or medical cannabinoid product without first having obtained a license or retail endorsement from the Office of Cannabis Management.

After meeting State requirements, registration is required through the City and a preliminary compliance check may be completed to ensure compliance with local ordinances.  Once the City receives a copy of a State license application, the City will have 30 days to certify whether a proposed cannabis retail business complies with local zoning ordinances and, if applicable, if the proposed business complies with the State fire code and building code.  

Hours of Operation

Cannabis businesses hours are limited to retail sale of cannabis, cannabis flower, and cannabis products from 8am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and from 10am to 9pm on Sunday.  These hours of operation do not apply to medical cannabis combination businesses nor to lower potency hemp edible retailers.