Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Launch in Minnesota

Minnesota dispensaries are finally opening their adult-use retail operations, with the first state-licensed adult-use cannabis shops in the state opening to the public on Tuesday, CBS News reports.

Josh Wilken-Simon, owner of Legacy Cannabis in downtown Duluth, said in the report, “We are absolutely honored to be the first state-licensed recreational cannabis dispensary open in Minnesota.”

“Our goal, of course, is to have as many high-quality small craft products for sale at our dispensary and hyper focus on making sure all the products are safe, that they’re good quality and there’s a big selection.” — Wilken-Simon, via CBS News

Amber Shimpa, the president of Vireo Growth Inc. — a Minnesota-based, multi-state cannabis operator that has operations in Minnesota, Maryland, and New York — said in a Tuesday press release that the company is “proud to begin making our products available to all Minnesotans.”

Alexandra Breant, Vireo’s Head of Market for Minnesota, said the milestone “is more than just expanding access, it’s about building community, fostering inclusion, and continuing to serve Minnesotans with care and responsibility.”

Previously, Minnesotans who wanted to purchase adult-use products needed to visit one of the state’s Native American reservations allowing retail cannabis access.

The state recently signed compacts with two tribes, letting tribal cultivators service state-licensed cannabis retailers so the adult-use market could launch more quickly.