Does Minnesota Have Recreational Dispensaries?
Yes, but the market is still evolving. Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21+ in August 2023 under state law, but retail sales through state-licensed dispensaries are delayed until mid-to-late 2025 due to regulatory challenges and lawsuits over licensing processes. However, tribal dispensaries have been operating since 2023 under tribal sovereignty laws, offering legal recreational cannabis on reservations. Notable tribal dispensaries include:
- NativeCare (Red Lake Nation, opened August 1, 2023).
- Waabigwan Mashkiki (White Earth Nation, expanded to Moorhead in March 2025).
State-licensed dispensaries are expected to open later in 2025 after the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) finalizes its licensing lottery and resolves legal disputes
How to Find Recreational Dispensaries Near You?
Currently, recreational sales are primarily available through tribal dispensaries, with limited state-licensed options. Here’s how to locate them:
Tribal Dispensaries
- Waabigwan Mashkiki: Located in Mahnomen and Moorhead (opened March 2025), with plans to expand to St. Cloud and beyond.
- NativeCare: On Red Lake Nation land, offering cannabis products since 2023.
- Prairie Island Indian Community: Opened a dispensary and cultivation facility in 2024.
Use Google Maps with keywords like “recreational dispensary near me” or check tribal websites for updates. Platforms like Weedmaps and Leafly also list tribal dispensaries, though state-licensed locations will be added later.
State-Licensed Dispensaries
State retail licenses are expected to be awarded via lottery in mid-2025, with stores opening shortly after. Monitor the OCM website for approved locations.
Are Minnesota Dispensaries Cash Only?
Most tribal dispensaries operate as cash-only businesses, similar to other states, due to federal banking restrictions. However, some may offer workarounds:
- On-site ATMs: Available at larger dispensaries like Waabigwan Mashkiki, though fees apply.
- Debit Payments: A few tribal dispensaries may accept debit transactions through cashless systems (e.g., CanPay), but this is not yet widespread.
State-licensed dispensaries may adopt more diverse payment methods post-launch, but cash will likely remain dominant initially.
Are Edibles Legal in Minnesota for Recreational Use?
Yes, with strict limits. Adults 21+ can legally purchase and possess:
- Edibles: Up to 800mg THC total per package (e.g., 80 gummies at 10mg each).
- Concentrates: Up to 8 grams of THC.
Tribal dispensaries sell edibles and other products compliant with these limits. Low-potency hemp-derived THC edibles (≤5mg/serving) are also available at non-dispensary retailers.
What Was the First Dispensary in Minnesota?
The first recreational dispensary in Minnesota was NativeCare, opened by the Red Lake Nation on August 1, 2023, on tribal land. This preceded state-licensed stores by nearly two years.
The first off-reservation dispensary is Waabigwan Mashkiki in Moorhead, operated by the White Earth Band of Chippewa, which opened in March 2025 after signing a compact with the state.
