Red Lake Nation to Open Minnesota’s First Native American Adult-Use Cannabis Store

LOS ANGELES –In a significant development for Minnesota’s cannabis industry, the Red Lake Nation has voted to allow NativeCare Dispensary, an existing tribal medical cannabis dispensary, to commence sales to individuals aged 21 and older starting August 1. This decision positions the Native American tribal dispensary as a potential frontrunner in Minnesota’s recreational marijuana market. Non-tribal businesses in the state are projected to face a 12-18 month timeline for regulatory system implementation and licensing.

Located in north-central Minnesota, the NativeCare Dispensary will have a substantial headstart over its non-tribal competitors, despite its nearly five-hour drive from Minneapolis. Additionally, the Red Lake Nation is considering the possibility of opening two more adult-use cannabis shops on tribal land in the nearby towns of Thief River Falls and Warroad. Furthermore, the tribe may explore the potential for opening additional dispensaries on non-tribal land through negotiated compacts with the state government.

Red Lake Nation’s decision to venture into the adult-use cannabis market aims to address community concerns related to opioid abuse by utilizing revenue from marijuana sales to offset harm and support recovery efforts. Tribal Secretary Sam Strong stated that the tribe sees this endeavor as a resource to reduce harm and bring in vital resources for community well-being. Detailed information about the tribe’s business plan will be made available in the coming weeks.

The move by Red Lake Nation highlights the unique position of tribal nations in Minnesota and other states, such as Arizona, Nevada, and New York, where they can establish marijuana retail programs independent of state regulatory oversight. It is worth noting that tribal nations often take the lead in launching adult-use sales in various U.S. markets.

Minnesota legalized recreational marijuana in April through legislative action rather than a citizen-initiated ballot initiative. The state’s first licenses for adult-use retail operations are expected to be issued in approximately one year, making the Red Lake Nation’s initiative a notable early entry into the burgeoning industry.