NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. — Minnesota's first-ever cannabis business license lottery didn't include any ping pong balls or drama, but with a few mouse clicks, the randomized numbers cranked out by a computer program helped narrow a field of 776 applicants down to just 249.

Those selected came from four different license categories: 75 retail, 50 cultivation/growing, 24 manufacturing, and 100 mezzobusiness (which can grow, transport, and sell cannabis at up to three retail locations).

Though the lotteries, which were livestreamed, marked a milestone in the state's long-awaited - and often delayed - deployment of cannabis business licenses, those selected still have a long road ahead.

"There is still work for them to do," said Eric Taubel, Interim Director of the Office of Cannabis Management

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