Over the weekend, the White Earth Nation, a Native American tribe, launched Minnesota’s first legal recreational cannabis store outside of reservation land in Moorhead. This move marks a historic moment as it is the first off-reservation dispensary in the state. Following the Moorhead opening, a second store is set to open next month in St. Cloud, also operated by the White Earth Nation.
Zach Wilson, CEO of Waabigwan Mashkiki, the tribe’s cannabis business, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “This has never been done before.” The launch follows a recent agreement signed by Governor Tim Walz, which permits the tribe to establish up to eight retail cannabis stores statewide. Wilson emphasized that all products sold in the Moorhead store are sourced and produced internally, stating, “Everything is all completely vertical, seed to sale.”
On the store’s opening weekend, customers found a selection of smokeable flower and beverages. Edibles like gummies, concentrates, and vape cartridges are expected to be added soon. Lab-testing data for products is available via QR codes on the packaging. Adara Rutherford, a member of the tribe’s production team, noted that they are one of the few large companies in Minnesota conducting third-party testing.
Public reception has been positive. A customer from Fargo, North Dakota, expressed approval, stating that perceptions of cannabis are shifting as people begin to understand its lesser harms compared to other substances.
Under Minnesota’s 2023 cannabis legalization law, tribal governments can open cannabis businesses prior to state licensing. Following this legislation, several tribes, including the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, have also begun to explore entry into the cannabis market. State authorities are expected to finalize a compact with another tribe soon.
In addition to the tribal initiatives, more than a dozen cities and counties in Minnesota are pursuing licenses to operate their own government-run cannabis dispensaries. Anoka is among them and recently began construction on a $2.7 million facility, though it is still awaiting final approval from the state Office of Cannabis Management. Kevin Morelli, Anoka’s liquor and cannabis operations manager, remarked on the city’s readiness to move forward once approval is granted.
Other cities, including St. Joseph and Osseo, are also in line for licenses to operate dispensaries. The deadline for local government cannabis license applications was March 16, initiating a 90-day approval period. Officials anticipate municipal stores will begin operations this summer. Minnesota law permits local governments to regulate the number of cannabis retailers, mandating at least one store for every 12,500 residents.
Anoka Mayor Erik Skogquist compared the city’s approach to cannabis to its long history with alcohol regulation, emphasizing the importance of local control for public safety and financial benefits. The Anoka dispensary is projected to break even by its third year, generating potential revenue to fund city services such as parks and public safety.
In a related legal matter, a state appeals court is set to determine whether state officials can prosecute tribal members for cannabis-related offenses committed on tribal land. This case involves a White Earth citizen accused of selling cannabis from a tobacco store on reservation territory. Meanwhile, state officials have postponed plans for safe drug consumption sites until further work on safety measures can be implemented.
Additionally, Minnesota lawmakers filed legislation in March aimed at establishing legal access to psilocybin for medical use, alongside a separate bill proposing the legalization of personal psilocybin use for adults. This reflects ongoing changes in drug policy within the state.
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