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Local Approval Process <br /> Local governments play a critical role in the licensing process, <br /> serving as a near-final approval check on cannabis businesses <br /> nearing the awarding of a state license for operations. Once an <br /> applicant has been vetted by OCM and is selected for <br /> proceeding in the verification process, they are then required to <br /> receive the local government's certification of zoning <br /> compliance and/or local retail registration before operations <br /> may commence. <br /> Local Certification of Zoning Compliance (342.13; 342.14) <br /> Following OCM's vetting process, local governments must certify that the applicant with <br /> preliminary approval has achieved compliance with local zoning ordinances prior to the <br /> licensee receiving final approval from OCM to commence operations. <br /> During the application and licensing process for cannabis businesses, OCM will notify a <br /> local government when an applicant intends to operate within their jurisdiction and <br /> request a certification as to whether a proposed cannabis business complies with local <br /> zoning ordinances, and if applicable, whether the proposed business complies with state <br /> fire code and building code. <br /> According to Minnesota's cannabis law, a local unit of government has 30 days to respond <br /> to this request for certification of compliance. If a local government does not respond to <br /> OCM's request for certification of compliance within the 30 days, the cannabis law allows <br /> OCM to issue a license. OCM may not issue the final approval for a license if the local <br /> government has indicated they are not in compliance. <br /> OCM will work with local governments to access the licensing software system to <br /> complete this zoning certification process. <br /> m MINNeSOTA Page 16 <br /> OFFICE OF CANNABIS MANAGEMENT <br />