I had a great time at this year’s Lucky Leaf Expo, meeting and discussing the opportunities in Minnesota’s developing cannabis industry. While people are excited, many had a lot of questions about how Minnesota’s new cannabis laws will be put into practice and how would-be small business owners can start the process of opening a cannabis shop in Minnesota.

Here were the three most common questions I received at Lucky Leaf Expo:

How Can I Assess My Ideal Location?

We all know the saying: “Location, location, location!” Location is a chief consideration for any business, but there is a laundry list of items to consider when determining a location for a cannabis shop. Once you have a location in mind, your first stop should be an entirely different kind of location: City Hall. Ask city officials if there are “sensitive uses” such as schools, churches, daycares or parks nearby and ask about the local distance requitements. These possible “sensitive uses” locations may not pop up on a Google search, so it’s best to check with City Hall. Also, ask how distances are measured. One city may measure these distances differently than another. For example, does the city measure the distance between your location and a school from the property line or from the building? This can make a big difference.

What Are The Most Common Code Violations?

You may already be thinking about odor control and security needs; however, there are plenty of little things regulated by local codes, and non-compliance on those little things could result in major problems. From the sign on your store to how many parking spaces you need are all likely ruled by city codes. Even the brightness and number of lights on the building and in the parking lot must follow specific rules for safety. There may even be rules around what direction those lights can shine. Once you have a location, get familiar with all of the city’s rules. By fully understanding city codes from the beginning, you are more likely to avoid problems down the road.

Who Can Help Me Get Started?

There has been plenty of confusion at the state level around Minnesota’s cannabis rollout, and that is likely to continue at the city level, too. It is important to do your homework well before you sign a lease or buy a building. Know exactly what needs to be done and how you will accomplish those tasks. Knowing who can help you navigate these rules is also key.

Like any business, it may be helpful to employ the services of an accountant to ensure you are following the appropriate tax laws. Attorneys can review any agreements before or during a location purchase. Given the amount of training you will need to do with your staff, having a training consultant selected and ready to go will be important as you work to open your location. They can help with initial and ongoing staff education around the sale of regulated items. As a municipal licensing specialist, I help businesses navigate the many challenges they could encounter when seeking permits and licenses from a city – providing guidance on everything from business plans to floor plans.

No matter who you employ during this process, just remember that it is important to surround yourself with trusted resources who can help you along the way.