Cannabis Business Information

General cannabis information

In 2023, the State of Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis and enacted laws regarding use, possession, retail sales, cultivation, and local government control. This page provides information about the City’s regulations for cannabis businesses, registration, zoning, and use within the City.

Local registration for retail businesses

The City has no limit on the number of retail cannabis businesses.

Annual registration with the City is required. The initial registration fee is $500.00 and the annual renewal registration fee is $1,000.00. The registration application is available below under Forms and information.

Applicants must have a valid license or license preapproval from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and a conditional use permit issued by the City before submitting a registration application. Additional submittal requirements are listed on the registration form.

Cannabis zoning information

Cannabis businesses are permitted by conditional use permit (CUP) only in select zoning districts. Retail businesses are permitted by CUP in the B-2, B-3, B-4, and M-1 districts. For other business types, see Worthington City Code Chapter 155, Appendix E.

Interactive zoning map (opens in a new tab)

Buffer restrictions

200 feet from schools and attractions within public parks that are regularly used by minors, including playgrounds and athletic fields. Distance is measured property line to property line. There are no buffer restrictions from daycares, residential treatment facilities, or other cannabis businesses.

Cannabis School and Parks Buffer Map (PDF) (PDF, 3MB) (as of September 18, 2025)

The City of Worthington requires a minimum of 1,000 feet between retail dispensaries. Distance is measured property line to property line.

Dispensary Buffer Map (PDF) (PDF, 3MB) (as of November 26, 2025)

Cannabis Buffer Map (PDF) (PDF, 3MB) (as of November 26, 2025)

This information does not include all zoning requirements that may apply. Contact City staff when exploring available properties.

Current and in-progress dispensaries

(as of September 18, 2025)

Locations and Status

Address / location Status of zoning approval Status of registration Operational status
1300 Humiston Ave Conditional Use Permit Approved Local Registration Not Issued Not Operational
1015 3rd Ave Conditional Use Permit Approved Local Registration Not Issued Not Operational
1151 Ryan’s Road Conditional Use Permit Approved Local Registration Not Issued Not Operational
341 Oxford Street Conditional Use Permit Approved Local Registration Not Issued Not Operational
607 10th Street Conditional Use Permit Approved Local Registration Not Issued Not Operational

 

 

Dispensaries listed include operational businesses, approved conditional use permits, or applications currently under review.

General process for a new retail business

  1. Obtain a license or preapproval from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.
  2. Secure a property and contact City staff.
  3. Verify zoning and applicable building code requirements.
  4. Apply for a conditional use permit, including public hearings and City Council approval.
  5. Complete City compliance checks.
  6. Submit the City registration form and fee.

Low-potency hemp edibles

Low-Potency Hemp Edible (LPHE) retailers must be licensed by OCM and register annually with the City. On-site consumption requires an endorsement.

If you do not have an active OCM license or application in process, you may not sell LPHE products.

Visit the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management website (opens in a new tab) for updates.

Questions? Call 507-372-8600.

Forms and information