Today marked the first day of legal marijuana in Minnesota, with thousands visiting Red Lake Nation’s marijuana store, one of just two open in the state.
(Photo credit: Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer)
As of today those 21 and older are allowed to possess and cultivate marijuana for recreational purposes in Minnesota. However, state-licensed marijuana stores are not expected to open until sometime in 2025. Despite this, two tribes in the state have voted to allow marijuana sales starting today, one of them being Red Lake Nation’s NativeCare. The other is White Earth Nation.
Despite heavy rain at times, hundreds waited in line to visit NativeCare, which opened today at 11 am. Visitors included consumers who were both tribal members and nontribal members. By the end of the day, estimates put the total number of visitors in the thousands.
NativeCare sold a variety of marijuana strains available as dried flower and pre-rolled joints. They also sold a variety of marijuana accessories such as pipes, rolling paper and bongs.
For much of the day those waiting in line cheered and applauded as customers left the store with their purchase.
According to the tribal council, “At the present time, only the wholly-owned Red Lake tribal entity that was established for the purpose of growing, processing and selling cannabis and cannabis products will be permitted to grow and sell such products”.
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