Office of Cannabis Management required to review all verified social equity applicants before reviewing general licensing applicants.

HF 2701 requires Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management to review all verified social equity applicants before considering general licensing applicants for cannabis licenses. This bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 342.14, subdivision 4, to mandate this sequential review process in every licensing period. It directly affects cannabis license applicants who qualify as "verified social equity applicants" under state law, ensuring their applications are prioritized before general applicants are processed. The change modifies the application review order but does not alter lottery procedures or eligibility criteria.