A law enacted at the end of the 2023 legislative session legalizes adult–use cannabis in Minnesota and establishes the State of Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) as the licensing authority for adult-use cannabis businesses. Visit the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management's website for the most up-to-date information.
The Office of Cannabis Management is highly recommending that applicants with preliminary approval reach out to local governments before starting their final Accela site verification to confirm compliance with any code regulations and to start the local retail registration process, if applicable. For more information on the licensing and registration timeline, please review the OCM’s Path to Cannabis Licensing Guide, Path to Lower-Potency Hemp Licensing Guide, or contact the Plymouth Planning Division.
Cannabis Retail Registration
All cannabis and lower-potency hemp edible (LPHE) business applicants seeking a retail license or endorsement from the state must obtain a Cannabis Retail Registration from the city before starting retail operations in Plymouth. The city has limited the number of Cannabis Retail Registrations available to one for every 12,500 residents, a maximum of seven retailers in Plymouth. Retail Registrations will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until the maximum is reached. Note that LPHE retailers and medical cannabis retailers are not subject to the per capita limit.
In accordance with state requirements, the city may issue a local retail registration to cannabis retailers with either a valid license or preliminary approval. However, local governments may only issue retail registrations for LPHE retailers after they have been issued a license from the OCM.
Cannabis Zoning Regulations
The City of Plymouth adopted Ordinance 2024-24 regulating cannabis and hemp businesses, effective as of November 26, 2024. The updated zoning ordinance allows cannabis businesses in the commercial and industrial districts listed below, subject to buffer and operational restrictions. Please refer to the Cannabis Buffer Map (PDF) to view the cannabis retail buffers, and use the Interactive Zoning Map to find potentially eligible business locations.
License Types
Cannabis Retailer:
- Zoning Districts: C-2, C-4
- Buffer: If operating retail, must be 500 feet from schools, residential treatment facilities, public parks and playfields.
- Area Restrictions: None
Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Retailer (LPHE-R):
- Zoning Districts: Allowed as a principal use in C-2, C-4; allowed as accessory sales to an allowed retail use in O, C-2, C-3, C-4, CC, C-5, B-C, I-1, I-2, I-3.
- Buffer: None
- Area Restrictions: In I-1, I-2, and I-3, accessory retail activities are limited to 10% of the gross floor area of its associated principal use, to a maximum of 5,000 square feet.
Microbusiness, Mezzobusiness, or Medical Combination:
- Zoning Districts: I-1, I-2, I-3
- Buffer: If operating retail, must be 500 feet from schools, residential treatment facilities, public parks and playfields.
- Area Restrictions: Accessory retail activities are limited to 10% of the gross floor area of its associated principal use, to a maximum of 5,000 square feet.
Cultivator:
- Zoning Districts: I-1, I-2, I-3
- Buffer: None
- Area Restrictions: Indoor cultivation only.
Manufacturer, Testing Facility, or Wholesaler (including LPHE-M & -W):
- Zoning Districts: I-1, I-2, I-3
- Buffer: None
- Area Restrictions: None
Cannabis Tax
As of 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.
Contact
Planning Division
Plymouth City Hall | 3400 Plymouth Blvd. | Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
P 763-509-5450 | planning@plymouthmn.gov
