Minnesota’s Recreational Marijuana Market Expands, But Licensing Remains a Challenge
The White Earth Nation is set to open its second recreational marijuana dispensary off the reservation in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on July 2. The new store, Waabigwan Mashkiki, will offer products grown on tribal land and will be the second of its kind in the state, following the opening of a similar store in Moorhead in May.
However, the expansion of the recreational marijuana market in Minnesota is being hindered by licensing issues. According to state law, St. Cloud is required to license at least six cannabis retailers due to its population, but the city council has yet to approve any licenses.
Mary Wedin, owner of Wild Weed, a hemp-derived THC store in St. Cloud, has been trying to convert her business to a recreational cannabis store but has been unable to do so due to the city’s lack of licensing. “It’s been a struggle,” she said. “We have to find a new spot, which has turned out to be a little bit difficult.”
The White Earth Nation, on the other hand, has been able to open its dispensaries due to a tribal compact with Governor Tim Walz, which allows the tribe to open a few stores without needing a state license. The tribe’s second dispensary in St. Cloud is expected to attract a large number of customers, with plans to serve around 200 people per day.
Despite the challenges facing regular business owners, the recreational marijuana market is slowly expanding in Minnesota. The state’s first recreational marijuana dispensary opened in Minneapolis in 2022, and several other dispensaries have since opened in various parts of the state.
In addition to the challenges posed by licensing, the state’s hemp laws are also causing issues for some businesses. Starting in October, Minnesota hemp businesses will be required to be licensed, but some business owners are finding it difficult to meet the requirements due to the lack of clarity on the regulations.
Overall, while the recreational marijuana market is slowly expanding in Minnesota, the licensing process remains a major challenge for many business owners.
