Minnesota has reached a significant milestone in its journey toward a regulated adult-use cannabis market, with the White Earth Nation making history by opening the state’s very first legal recreational marijuana store outside of reservation lands. This landmark event, which took place over the weekend in Moorhead, is not only a first for Minnesota, but also a pioneering move for tribal nations across the country. The White Earth Nation’s leadership in this space is setting the stage for a new era of collaboration between tribal governments and state authorities, while also inspiring local governments to explore their own roles in the emerging cannabis industry.
A Historic First for Minnesota and Tribal Sovereignty
The store, operated by the White Earth Nation under the name Waabigwan Mashkiki (“flower medicine” in Ojibwe), marks the first time a Native American tribe in Minnesota has opened a recreational cannabis dispensary off its reservation. This is a remarkable achievement given the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding cannabis in the United States, especially when it comes to tribal sovereignty and state law.
The opening of the Moorhead store is just the beginning. Next month, the White Earth Nation will open a second dispensary in St. Cloud, with the potential to expand to eight statewide under a new agreement with Governor Tim Walz. This agreement is notable because it allows the tribe to operate retail cannabis outlets outside of tribal lands—a first not just for Minnesota, but for the entire country.
Speaking to Minnesota Public Radio, Waabigwan Mashkiki CEO Zach Wilson called the launch a major breakthrough: “It’s a first for Minnesota, and a first for opening a dispensary off-reservation—it’s never been done before.”
Seed-to-Sale: Quality and Transparency at the Forefront
Waabigwan Mashkiki’s approach to cannabis retail is rooted in quality, transparency, and community benefit. The dispensary offers products that are grown, processed, and packaged entirely by the tribe, ensuring a vertically integrated operation. The only exception is beverages, which are sourced externally, but all other products—from smokeable flower to edibles—are produced in-house.
On opening weekend, customers could purchase smokeable flower and beverages, with additional products like gummies, concentrates, and vape cartridges expected to be available soon. Each product comes with a QR code that provides detailed lab-testing information, giving customer’s confidence in the safety and quality of what they’re buying. Adara Rutherford, who works in the tribe’s production facility, noted that Waabigwan Mashkiki is among the few large cannabis businesses in Minnesota conducting third-party testing, setting a high standard for the industry.
Community Impact and Changing Perceptions
The opening of the Moorhead dispensary was met with enthusiasm from both local residents and visitors from neighboring states. One customer from Fargo, North Dakota, described the event as “a wonderful thing for Minnesota,” reflecting a broader shift in public attitudes toward cannabis. According to store visitor Damion Knudsen, attitudes toward cannabis are evolving. “There’s growing awareness that it may not be as harmful as once assumed—especially in comparison to other substances,” he said.
Beyond changing perceptions, the dispensary is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the White Earth Nation and the surrounding community. Revenue from cannabis sales will be reinvested in tribal programs, infrastructure, and social services, supporting long-term community development and self-sufficiency.
Tribal Leadership in Minnesota’s Cannabis Market
Minnesota’s 2023 cannabis legalization law gave tribal nations a unique advantage by allowing them to open dispensaries before the state began issuing licenses to private businesses. This early entry has enabled tribes like White Earth Nation, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to establish a strong presence in the market and set high standards for quality, safety, and community benefit.
State officials expect to sign additional compacts with other tribes in the coming weeks, further expanding tribal participation in Minnesota’s cannabis industry. Nationwide, more than a quarter of the 358 federally recognized Indigenous communities in the continental U.S. are now involved in some form of cannabis program, according to recent data from the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association and the law firm Vicente.
Cities and Counties Embrace Government-Run Dispensaries
As tribal nations take the lead, cities and counties across Minnesota are positioning themselves to play a vital role in the development of the state’s cannabis industry. Thirteen local governments have applied for licenses to operate their own marijuana stores, a model that mirrors the state’s approach to municipal liquor stores.
The city of Anoka is progressing with the development of its $2.7 million government-operated dispensary. Although final approval from the Office of Cannabis Management is still pending, operations manager Kevin Morelli affirms they’re ready to move forward the moment the license is granted.
Other municipalities, such as St. Joseph and Osseo, are also moving forward with plans to open their own dispensaries, pending state approval. Minnesota law requires local governments to allow at least one cannabis retailer for every 12,500 residents, but gives them flexibility to limit the total number of stores in their jurisdiction.
Anoka Mayor Erik Skogquist sees the city’s involvement in cannabis retail as a logical extension of its longstanding role in the liquor industry, which dates back to 1937. “We’re applying the same principles we’ve used in the liquor industry—maintaining city oversight, operating responsibly, and setting a positive example,” Skogquist explained. “The financial benefits are also an important consideration.” Though profitability isn’t expected until year three, Anoka city leaders anticipate the dispensary will ultimately produce substantial revenue to fund key public services and reduce reliance on property taxes.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges Remain
As Minnesota’s cannabis market grows, critical legal questions remain—particularly concerning tribal sovereignty and its interaction with state law. The Court of Appeals is deliberating whether state authorities can prosecute tribal members for cannabis offenses on reservation land. Allegations of cannabis distribution by a White Earth Nation member at a Mahnomen tobacco store reflect the broader, unresolved jurisdictional challenges facing tribal nations.
Separately, state officials have delayed the opening of safe drug consumption sites, which are intended to provide supervised spaces for people to use drugs more safely. This move reflects the cautious approach Minnesota is taking as it navigates the broader landscape of drug policy reform.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Cannabis in Minnesota
The opening of the White Earth Nation’s Moorhead dispensary is more than just a business milestone—it’s a symbol of progress for Minnesota’s cannabis industry, tribal sovereignty, and community-driven economic development. As more tribal and government-run stores prepare to open across the state, Minnesota is poised to become a leader in innovative, inclusive cannabis policy.
Minnesota’s innovative approach is set to shape cannabis policies across the country, inspiring other states and tribes to replicate the effective collaboration between tribal nations, local governments, and state regulators. With a focus on quality, transparency, and community benefit, Minnesota’s approach to cannabis legalization is setting a new standard for what a responsible, equitable, and prosperous industry can look like.