Minnesota Launches $2M CanGrow Grant Program to Support Cannabis Farmers

Minnesota is investing in its agricultural community with a $2 million grant initiative aimed at helping farmers break into—or expand within—the state’s legal cannabis industry. The new program, called CanGrow, will provide financial support, educational resources, and technical assistance to eligible farmers and organizations preparing to participate in Minnesota’s growing marijuana market.

The program is structured to promote equity and long-term sustainability, particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis criminalization.

Key Takeaways

• Minnesota has launched the CanGrow program to support cannabis farmers with a $2 million funding pool.
• Two types of grants will be offered: Farmer Training Grants and Farmer Loan Grants.
• Awards will help fund education, technical support, and low-interest loans.
• Priority goes to programs supporting social equity applicants and underserved communities.
• Grant applications are expected to open in early 2025, with awards announced in the fall.

CanGrow Program Details

CanGrow includes two main grant categories tailored to different stages of entry into the cannabis space:

1. Farmer Training Grants

These grants fund organizations offering education and hands-on support for aspiring cannabis farmers. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and private businesses.

Each grant will range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the scope of the proposed project.

2. Farmer Loan Grants

This portion of the program provides funding to nonprofit organizations that will, in turn, issue low-interest loans to farmers. These loans can help cover costs related to cultivation startup or expansion.

Loan amounts for individual farmers will range from $2,500 to $50,000, or up to $150,000 with matching funds. Grant awards for nonprofit lenders may reach $200,000 to $500,000.

Emphasis on Social Equity

CanGrow places strong emphasis on supporting farmers who’ve faced systemic barriers to opportunity. Priority will be given to projects serving communities disproportionately impacted by past marijuana laws, and to organizations with a proven track record of community-focused training and support.

This focus aligns with Minnesota’s broader push to make cannabis reform inclusive and economically meaningful for those who were previously marginalized.

Application Timeline

The application window for CanGrow is expected to open in early 2025. Organizations interested in applying will need to outline how their project will serve a specific community need, and how their proposal aligns with the goals of equity, education, and economic opportunity. Grant winners are expected to be announced in the fall.

Conclusion

Minnesota’s CanGrow program is a strategic move to ensure that farmers—especially those from underserved communities—can participate meaningfully in the cannabis economy. With targeted grants for education and financial access, the state is creating on-ramps for local agriculture to grow alongside the legal cannabis market. As the rollout continues, CanGrow has the potential to shape not just individual farm operations, but the inclusive foundation of Minnesota’s cannabis industry.