Latest news with #JessJackson
CBS News
06-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Minnesota sets June 5 as date for cannabis license application lotteries
The Office of Cannabis Management announced a date Monday for cannabis license application lotteries as the state moves closer to launching its recreational marijuana market. The date is set for June 5 for applicants seeking a cannabis cultivator, cannabis manufacturer and cannabis mezzobusiness license type. The office will also hold a lottery for social equity retailer licenses that day, before a second round for general applicants takes place later in the summer. To qualify as a social equity applicant, one must have been convicted or had a family member convicted of possession or sale of cannabis. Veterans, people who live in high-poverty areas and farm operation workers also qualify. "It's exciting to see the entrepreneurial spirit of our applicants as they get closer to having a license in hand and prepare to open their doors for business," said Jess Jackson, the cannabis management office's director of social equity.
CBS News
10-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
New program to help Minnesota communities impacted by cannabis prohibition
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management announced Monday the launch of a $1 million program to help communities who's economic and social landscapes were negatively impacted under cannabis prohibition policies. The CanRenew program was established by the Minnesota Legislature in the 2023 cannabis bill. It aims to help projects addressing multiple needs including economic development, public health, violence, youth development and civil legal aid. According to the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, the grants will be awarded to eligible organizations for investments in communities where long-term residents are eligible to be social equity applicants. The grant funds are not intended to support cannabis business operations. "This grant program is a significant step toward the OCM's aim to establish an inclusive and equitable cannabis ecosystem that creates possibilities for marginalized groups and those affected by the war on drugs," said Eric Taubel, OCM interim director. Grant awards for the first round of funding will range from $50,000 to $200,000 per project. Organizations eligible to receive grants include nonprofit organizations, Tribal organizations, educational institutions, units of local government, private businesses, community groups, and partnerships between different types of organizations. Organizations interested in CanRenew grants must submit a written application to the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. Selected grantees/awardees will be announced in spring of 2025. "Launching these grant programs is another milestone in fulfilling the social equity commitments established in Minnesota's cannabis law," said Jess Jackson, OCM's director of social equity. CanRenew grants will have a one-year grant period, with a start date of approximately June 30, 2025.
