Minnesota now has its first non-tribal retailer selling adult-use cannabis.
After two years of Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, signed the legalization bill into law. The state market has now been up and running for two years.
While certain tribal governments across the state have been permitted to sell marijuana on their reservations–and tribes have also agreements with the governor to sell at retail locations outside of their territories–this marks the first time a non-tribal entity has been able to market marijuana for adults.
Vireo Vice President Amber Shimpa stated in a release that “as a Minnesota-based cannabis company, we’re proud to make our products accessible to all Minnesotans.” We will continue to be committed to medical patients, our product line and to the quality of care we provide.
Vireo Minnesota’s Head of Market Alexandra Breant stated that “today is a historic day which our team has been preparing since 2023 and we are honor to share with new patients and customers throughout Minnesota.”
This milestone means more than simply expanding access. “It’s about creating community, nurturing inclusion, and continuing with Minnesotans to provide care and responsibility,” said she. We are thankful for the trust that has been placed in us, and we look forward to working together on this next chapter.
Green Thumb Industries, a multi-state operator that operates dispensaries in multiple states, has announced its RISE chain will begin serving adult customers on Wednesday.
Anthony Georgiadis said, “We’re excited to celebrate the historic launch of cannabis sales for adult use in Minnesota.” Our team looks forward to introducing Minnesotans with our leading brands, such as RYTHM Beboe and Dogwalkers. We will continue to give medical patients the service and trust they deserve from RISE.
Minnesota occupies an unique geographical location in relation to marijuana, being surrounded by other states who maintain cannabis prohibition. Many newly-authorized retailers are within driving distance from the borders of those jurisdictions.
Minnesota’s House of Representatives also conducted a recent poll during this year’s State Fair, asking attendees if they supported the idea of localities being able to ban marijuana businesses from their jurisdiction. The majority of respondents agree that the policy is a good idea, even though it’s not part of Minnesota’s current cannabis laws.
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State Fair polls by Minnesota legislators showed that the measure was supported by a majority.
The governor has also selected a top cannabis regulator for the state who will oversee the adult-use market rollout. And while there may be some jurisdictions in favor of a local control option for licensees, over a dozen Minnesota cities have signaled interest in government-run cannabis retailers.
In June, Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issued the state’s first recreational marijuana license for a cultivation microbusiness.
OCM stated at that time it was taking additional steps to grow the cannabis industry and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs. This included opening up a new window of licensing for cannabis testing centers, accepting applications for licenses for marijuana events, and verifying requests for more social equity status.
Separately, after Minnesota lawmakers passed a bill to end the criminalization of bong water containing trace amount of drugs, the governor signed the measure into law in May.
Changes were made to an existing policy, which had permitted law enforcement agencies to view quantities of bongwater greater than four ounces of water as being equivalent to a pure version uncut of any drug consumed using the device.
In April, meanwhile, state officials moved to delay a separate drug reform—the opening of safe drug consumption sites, meant to allow people to use drugs in a safer, supervised setting.
At the time, a representative of the Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Administration (DHS), said that more work needed to be done at a state- and federal-level before these services could be implemented safely for program participants.
In March, lawmakers also filed legislation that would create a system to allow legal access to psilocybin for medical purposes. That came just days after the introduction of a separate bill that would legalize personal psilocybin use and possession among adults.
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