Minnesota has approved the White Earth Band of Chippewa to operate adult-use cannabis stores off their reservation, marking a first for Native American tribes in the state. This approval comes after Governor Tim Walz signed a compact agreement on Tuesday that permits the tribe to establish eight recreational marijuana outlets statewide.
Eric Taubel, interim director of Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management, stated that Minnesota leads the nation in recognizing a tribal nation’s authority to manage its cannabis businesses outside tribal land. Taubel emphasized the importance of this agreement, highlighting Minnesota’s respect for its neighbors and the opportunity it creates for tribes to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Zach Wilson, CEO of the White Earth Band’s cannabis operation, Waabigwan Mashkiki, announced plans to open a store in Moorhead shortly and another in St. Cloud by the end of June. Wilson described this development as a historical moment for the tribe and Minnesota, indicating it could set a significant precedent for similar agreements nationwide.
The White Earth Band is the first among 11 tribes currently negotiating compacts with the state government. These tribes have been involved in cannabis cultivation and sales on their sovereign lands, and they are positioned to be among the initial suppliers to Minnesota’s new adult-use cannabis market. This expansion represents a notable step in integrating tribal nations into the broader state-regulated cannabis economy.
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