Minnesota’s White Earth Nation Makes History with State’s First Off-Reservation Recreational Cannabis Dispensary
The White Earth Nation has achieved a significant milestone with the opening of its recreational cannabis dispensary in Moorhead, Minnesota. This marks the first time a dispensary has been allowed to operate outside of tribal lands in the state.
The dispensary, Waabigwan Mashkiki, which translates to “flower medicine” in Ojibway, is a result of a recent tribal-state compact between Minnesota and the White Earth Nation. The compact outlines the guidelines for the tribe to operate cannabis businesses outside of the reservation.
CEO Zach Wilson expressed excitement about the historic achievement, stating that it sets a precedent for other states and tribes to navigate the cannabis industry. The dispensary has seen hundreds of customers since its grand opening, with a long line forming before the doors opened at 10 a.m.
One of the key objectives of the dispensary is education, aiming to dispel the stigma surrounding cannabis use. Wilson emphasized that the product is safe and beneficial, encouraging more people to use it responsibly.
The dispensary offers a range of products, including smokeable flower and drinks, with plans to expand to include gummies and concentrates in the future. All products are produced by the White Earth Nation, with the exception of beverages. The tribe’s commitment to quality is evident in its third-party testing and QR code scanning for customers to verify the safety and quality of their purchases.
The location in Moorhead was chosen due to its proximity to the reservation, catering to customers who previously had to travel to the reservation to purchase cannabis. The dispensary plans to open another location in St. Cloud next month.
The success of the dispensary has also attracted customers from neighboring states, including North Dakota, where cannabis is decriminalized. Damion Knudsen, a customer from Fargo, praised the move, stating that it’s a “wonderful thing for Minnesota” and that the stigma surrounding cannabis is slowly decreasing.
The White Earth Nation’s Waabigwan Mashkiki dispensary is a significant step forward for the cannabis industry in Minnesota, providing a new opportunity for customers and setting a precedent for other tribes and states to follow.
