The Sauk Rapids City Council has unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit for Uncle Hippies Cannabis, marking it as the first authorized commercial cannabis operation in the area. This decision came during a council meeting on Monday. Uncle Hippies Cannabis received prior approval through an initial social equity application process and lottery managed by the Office of Cannabis Management. This prior approval allowed the business to be fast-tracked at the state level when the initial system was discontinued.
Despite this head start, the process from application to local government approval took over a year. Uncle Hippies plans to set up operations in the local industrial park, notably without any external signage, making it discreet. COO Josh Severson stated there will not be a retail component; instead, the focus will be on wholesale and cultivation. He emphasized the importance of producing high-quality cannabis.
Severson expressed confidence that the business would move forward quickly following the green light from the council. While there may be some delays in construction, he assured that once cultivation begins, the plants will reach maturity in about 60 days. He has a background in a medicinal growhouse and is committed to ensuring that the production process does not create odor or other disturbances for nearby residents.
The initial growing area will cover approximately 2,400 square feet, with the possibility of cannabis products available for sale as soon as October.
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