Minnesota’s first full year of adult-use cannabis sales creates unprecedented opportunities for cultivators, processors, and technology vendors
Minnesota’s cannabis landscape transformed dramatically in 2025. Adult-use retail sales officially launched on September 16-17, 2025, with Green Goods and RISE Dispensaries opening locations across the state. The June 2025 social equity lottery awarded 249 licenses to qualified applicants from a pool of 776 applications, marking the first wave of state-issued cannabis business licenses under the Office of Cannabis Management.
Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis brings together key players in the emerging Minnesota cannabis market at the Minneapolis Convention Center on February 27-28, 2026. With 100+ exhibitors, 30+ educational sessions, and attendees from across the Midwest, this B2B trade show arrives at the perfect moment for operators evaluating license application strategies and METRC-integrated technology solutions.
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Minnesota has one of the most robust social equity programs in the nation with 50% of capped licenses reserved for social equity applicants.
For cannabis professionals navigating Minnesota’s new regulatory framework, including HF 100 requirements, OCM licensing, and METRC seed-to-sale tracking, Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis offers the operational intelligence and networking opportunities essential for successful market entry.
Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇸
Dates
February 27-28, 2026
Location
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Expected Attendance
Thousands of attendees, 100+ exhibitors, 30+ sessions
Official Website
luckyleafexpo.com
Confirmed
Last verified: December 31, 2025
Minneapolis
44.98°N 93.27°W
Who Should Attend Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis
Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis attracts decision-makers across the emerging Minnesota cannabis supply chain who are evaluating license applications, technology investments, and market entry strategies.
Cultivators preparing for 30,000 sq ft indoor or 2-acre outdoor licenses
Processors and manufacturers seeking manufacturing licenses
Retailers navigating OCM retail licensing with up to 5 locations
Compliance officers learning METRC seed-to-sale requirements
Investors evaluating the $430 million projected 2026 market
Technology vendors targeting 1,300+ newly licensed operations
Why Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis Matters in 2026
This year represents Minnesota’s first full calendar year of legal adult-use cannabis sales. The market transitions from launch phase to growth phase, with several critical developments on the horizon for operators and investors alike.
The July 2026 license cap reassessment by OCM will evaluate whether to expand the four capped license categories (cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, mezzobusiness) based on market demand. Tribal-state compacts continue expanding following the May 2025 White Earth Nation and September 2025 Mille Lacs Band agreements.
The June 2025 social equity lottery awarded 249 licenses from 776 applications, marking Minnesota’s first wave of state-issued cannabis business licenses.
Office of Cannabis Management, 2025Planning Your Lucky Leaf Expo Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
🏨 Accommodation
- Book 2-3 weeks in advance for preferred rates during February
- Downtown Minneapolis offers numerous hotels within walking distance
- February rates are typically lower than summer peak season
- Consider hotels near METRO Blue Line stations for airport access
📆 Schedule Overview
- February 26: Pre-Show Crash Course (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, separate ticket)
- February 27: Expo Day 1 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- February 28: Expo Day 2 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Early bird 2-day pass: $35 | On-site: $99
✈️ Getting There
- MSP Airport: METRO Blue Line directly to downtown (~25 min)
- Convention Center is a short walk from downtown stations
- Uber and Lyft widely available throughout metro area
- February weather: Pack for cold – average high 28°F
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Reserve booth space early for optimal floor positioning
- Prepare Minnesota-specific compliance materials
- Bring licensing consultation resources for social equity applicants
- Plan for attendee engagement across both expo days
Minnesota Cannabis Regulatory Framework
Key Regulatory Topics at Lucky Leaf Expo
- Office of Cannabis Management (OCM): Minnesota’s primary cannabis regulator overseeing licensing, rulemaking, and compliance enforcement
- METRC Seed-to-Sale Tracking: Mandatory for all licensees with RFID tagging, daily inventory updates, and complete chain-of-custody
- HF 100 License Types: 10 license categories ranging from $250 (transporter) to $60,000 (cultivator first-year)
- Testing Requirements: All products require OCM-licensed lab testing for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials (effective Jan 1, 2026)
Minnesota’s cannabis program operates under HF 100, signed in May 2023, which established the state as the 23rd to legalize recreational cannabis. Understanding OCM requirements and METRC implementation is essential for anyone considering market entry.
Related: Understanding METRC Requirements for Cannabis Operations🌟 Minnesota’s First Full Year of Adult-Use Cannabis
Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis when Governor Tim Walz signed HF 100 in May 2023. The state launched adult-use sales in September 2025, and 2026 represents the critical first full year of commercial operations. Here’s what Lucky Leaf attendees need to know about this emerging Midwest market.
Key Facts for Lucky Leaf Attendees
- ✓ HF 100 Framework: Establishes 10 license types with fees ranging from $250 to $60,000, covering cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, transporters, and mezzobusinesses
- ✓ Office of Cannabis Management: OCM serves as the primary regulator for licensing, rulemaking, compliance enforcement, and METRC seed-to-sale tracking oversight
- ✓ METRC Implementation: All Minnesota cannabis businesses must use METRC for seed-to-sale tracking with RFID tagging, daily inventory updates, and complete chain-of-custody documentation
- ✓ Social Equity Lottery: June 2025 lottery awarded 249 licenses from 776 applications, prioritizing individuals with prior cannabis convictions, family members, veterans, and high-enforcement area residents
- ✓ Capped License Categories: Four license types are capped (cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, mezzobusiness) with July 2026 reassessment based on market demand
- ✓ Tribal Partnerships: White Earth Nation (May 2025) and Mille Lacs Band (September 2025) compacts expand market reach with additional tribal partnerships expected
- ✓ Grant Programs: CanRenew ($1 million) and CanGrow ($2 million) programs provide financial support for social equity applicants entering the market
💡 Did You Know?
Minnesota reserves 50% of all capped licenses for social equity applicants, making it one of the most robust social equity programs in the nation. This allocation applies to cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, and mezzobusiness license categories.
What This Means for Lucky Leaf Attendees
Conference attendees are actively evaluating license application strategies, METRC-integrated technology solutions, social equity qualification pathways, and potential tribal partnership opportunities. After December 1, 2025, cultivators must source propagative materials exclusively from OCM-authorized sources, making vendor relationships critical.
Note: Laws and enforcement can change. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Decisions Facing Minnesota Cannabis Operators
Cannabis professionals entering Minnesota’s market face critical strategic decisions in 2026. Conference sessions address these fundamental positioning questions directly:
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License Application Strategy
Navigating the 10 license types under HF 100 and determining optimal application timing relative to the July 2026 cap reassessment and ongoing social equity lottery rounds
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METRC Integration Planning
Selecting seed-to-sale tracking systems that fully integrate with METRC requirements for RFID tagging, daily inventory updates, and chain-of-custody documentation
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Midwest Climate Cultivation
Addressing Minnesota’s continental climate challenges for both indoor (30,000 sq ft) and outdoor (2-acre) cultivation operations with energy-efficient environmental controls
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Social Equity Qualification
Understanding eligibility pathways for the 50% reserved license allocation and accessing CanRenew and CanGrow grant programs for operational funding
What to Prepare Before Lucky Leaf Expo 2026
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
Documents to Prepare
- Minnesota business license applications or preliminary approval documentation
- Social equity qualification evidence (conviction records, residence history, military service)
- METRC training certifications or enrollment confirmation
- Business plans with cultivation capacity projections
- Labor peace agreement documentation (required for licensure)
- Financial documentation for investment discussions
Questions to Ask Vendors
- Do you offer Minnesota-specific OCM compliance solutions?
- What support do you provide for license application preparation?
- How does your platform integrate with METRC?
- Can you demonstrate experience with Midwest climate cultivation?
- What training and implementation timelines should I expect?
- What scale of operation is your product designed for?
What to Compare
- POS systems: METRC integration depth, real-time sync, reporting
- Cultivation management: Environmental controls for continental climate
- Compliance tracking: License application support, reporting automation
- Testing partnerships: Laboratory network, turnaround times, COA integration
- Energy efficiency: Critical for Minnesota’s extreme temperature ranges
- Social equity support: Grant application assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis 2026.
Is Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis B2B only?
Lucky Leaf Expo is primarily a B2B trade show targeting cannabis industry professionals, but it is open to the general public for ages 21 and older. The event attracts cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, investors, and technology vendors seeking business partnerships and industry insights.
How much are tickets?
Early bird pricing starts at $35 for a two-day all-access pass. On-site pricing increases to $99 for the same access level. The Thursday pre-show crash course is $499 early bird or $525 on-site. All ticket sales are final with no refunds available.
What is the pre-show crash course?
The Thursday Pre-Show Crash Course on February 26, 2026 (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM) is an intensive, day-long workshop covering cannabis supply chain operations, market demand analysis, and revenue opportunity identification. This is a separate ticketed event from the main expo.
Is a medical card required for attendance?
No medical card is required. Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis is an industry trade show, not a dispensary event. Attendees must be 21 or older.
What are the expo hours?
Friday, February 27: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Saturday, February 28: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Plan to arrive early on both days to maximize networking opportunities with exhibitors and attendees.
How do I register for Lucky Leaf Expo?
Registration is available through Eventbrite at luckyleafexpo.com. Early bird pricing is valid through February 27, 2026, so register early for the best rates.
Software Solutions for Minnesota Cannabis Compliance
Navigating Minnesota’s OCM licensing requirements, METRC seed-to-sale tracking, and quality assurance protocols demands comprehensive compliance capabilities. For cultivators and processors entering this emerging Midwest market, maintaining audit-ready records across every cultivation batch, processing step, and inventory movement is fundamental to license maintenance.
For operators evaluating cannabis technology investments at Lucky Leaf Expo Minneapolis, GrowerIQ provides the METRC-integrated compliance foundation that Minnesota’s regulatory framework requires, supporting batch tracking, inventory management, quality assurance documentation, and OCM-aligned reporting workflows.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities use GrowerIQ to manage METRC integration and seed-to-sale traceability.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.