Minnesota POS
Q&As

1. What are the criteria to apply for a cannabis license in Minnesota?

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is responsible for issuing licenses to cannabis businesses in Minnesota. As part of its social equity program, the OCM defines a “social equity applicant” as one or more individuals, at least one of whom owns and controls 65% of the business and comes from a community that has been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. You can find the full list of requirements here.

After verification, applicants can seek preapproval for one of nine business licenses, including cannabis retailers, undergo additional screenings, and if qualified, enter a lottery. The OCM will also require businesses to meet comprehensive compliance requirements, such as having an OCM-approved Point of Sale, like Cova.

2. How does Cova meet Minnesota’s compliance requirements?

Cova offers an award-winning compliant cannabis dispensary POS and Inventory Management solution to businesses all over North America. As a Minnesota OCM-approved software platform, Cova helps cannabis retailers meet compliance requirements through automated compliance controls that streamline and simplify complex record-keeping and reporting requirements.

Cova is fully compliant with traceability systems like Metrc (which Minnesota uses) and BioTrack that enable cannabis retailers to expand their business through an eCommerce website and cannabis delivery.

Cova also helps retailers launch a successful cannabis store through our strong relationships with experts and ancillary services, including connections with the OCM, Ms. Jane Accounting, Blunt Strategies, MCGCIC, and Canna Advisors. Tying it all together, Cova’s 5-star support team will help you launch and optimize operations to stay ahead of the competition.

3. What options are available for payment processing?

Cova is the only POS that has provided 100% uptime on 4/20 (the busiest day for cannabis businesses) for 7 years in a row! In other words, it’s the most reliable POS in North America.

To achieve reliability, accuracy, and speed for customers, Cova offers various cashless payment solutions including debit and credit card payments through Vector Payments, micro ATMs, and Automated Clearing House (ACH). Cova also supports branded gift cards that help drive customer acquisition up by 40% while improving customer loyalty and retention.

Aside from driving revenue and creating smoother shopping experiences, cashless payments also create safer cannabis stores by reducing the risk of inaccurate record-keeping and even robberies.

4. Does Cova have support for eCommerce integration and custom websites?

Once size does not fit all, Cova enables Minnesota cannabis retailers to integrate Cova POS and Inventory Management with their eCommerce solution of choice. The comprehensive Open API ensures product information can sync with leading eCommerce platforms and custom solutions.

Cova evaluates and integrates with some of the best e-commerce solutions to help create smoother shopping experiences for customers and fewer headaches for business owners. Cova helps retailers avoid the compromise of iFrame menus, which are inherently less secure, offer little to no SEO value, and can expose customers to cannabis marketplace competitors.

5. What makes Cova different from other POS systems?

Unlike other point-of-sale (POS) systems, Cova combines security, accuracy, and ease of use in a single, comprehensive package. Cova’s full suite of features include:

• An easy-to-use interface that requires minimal training — making it the first choice for budtenders and cannabis business owners
• Advanced analytics that provide real-time insights into inventory, sales, and even store security
• Powerful integrations with leading cannabis solutions including eCommerce, Delivery, Security, Gift Cards, CRM, and more.
• Supports Low-Dose and Future Adult-Use Retailers so retailers don’t have to switch POS systems if and when they switch marijuana license types.

Every year, Cova processes millions of transactions while being fully compliant with state regulations. Even in Minnesota, a new cannabis market, Cova POS is already approved by the OCM for cannabis retailers.

6. Can I use Cova POS in my CBD store?

Yes, Cova POS is fully approved by the OCM to be used in Minnesota CBD stores and is the best option for CBD stores transitioning to THC dispensaries.

Making the switch can be daunting but Cova supports retailers with comprehensive training to help you and your staff switch smoothly from a CBD retailer to a fully compliant THC dispensary. Cova also provides application assistance from experts, compliance setup, 2-way traceability integration, and ongoing support to ensure your store meets all regulatory requirements and operates efficiently.

Even as Minnesotan compliance requirements evolve in the future, Cova customers can rest assured, knowing Cova will always be one step ahead.