Jess Jackson: Social Equity, Grants & the Next Phase of Minnesota Cannabis I Season 2, Episode 18

Minnesota's cannabis market is moving from licensing into something bigger: building businesses, creating jobs, investing in communities, and figuring out what support operators actually need. Jess Jackson, Director of Community and Economic Development at the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, joins Stephen Eigenmann on The Canna Connect Show to unpack what that work looks like from inside OCM. Jess shares what OCM has learned through its Social Equity Mixer series, including the finding that 33% of social equity verified participants surveyed were pursuing their first business venture. That reality has helped shape a broader conversation around business readiness, cannabis compliance, access to resources, and what entrepreneurs need beyond simply receiving a license. Stephen and Jess also dig into Minnesota's cannabis grant programs, including CanRenew and CanGrow, and why funding doesn't always flow directly from OCM to an individual business or farmer. They discuss the challenges surrounding cannabis financing, the role of intermediary organizations and CDFIs, and where changes to state law may require the industry to organize and advocate for itself. The conversation expands into social equity eligibility, workforce development, labor, community engagement, expungement resources, tribal sovereignty, and the challenge of serving Minnesotans who have very different perspectives on cannabis. It's an inside look at a side of OCM that doesn't always get as much attention, and a reminder that building Minnesota's cannabis industry involves more than getting businesses licensed. Learn more about Canna Connect, subscribe to The Cannaverse, and find upcoming community events at CannaConnectMN.com. Become Part of the Canna Connect Community Network Every episode, Community Spotlight, and partner profile helps connect Minnesota's cannabis industry. Visit CannaConnectMN.com to explore interviews, resources, events, and the trusted organizations helping shape the future of cannabis in Minnesota.