In a groundbreaking move that could potentially pave the way for other Native American tribes to enter the lucrative cannabis industry, the Prairie Island Indian Community in Minnesota has announced the grand opening of a cannabis dispensary near their Treasure Island Casino.
Located just a stone’s throw away from the bustling casino, the dispensary, named “Island Herbal,” is set to offer a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals. The decision to open the dispensary comes after months of careful consideration and planning by tribal leaders, who see the emerging cannabis industry as a unique opportunity to diversify their revenue streams and provide much-needed economic development for their community.
“We are excited to launch Island Herbal and bring high-quality cannabis products to our patrons,” said Shelley Buck, president of the Prairie Island Indian Community. “Not only does this venture have the potential to generate new revenue for our tribe, but it also allows us to provide safe and regulated access to cannabis for both medical and recreational users in our community.”
The decision to open a cannabis dispensary on tribal land is a bold and controversial one, as cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. However, the U.S. Justice Department issued a policy statement in 2014 that allows Native American tribes to regulate the cultivation, sale, and use of cannabis on their sovereign lands, as long as they adhere to strict federal guidelines.
“Opening a cannabis dispensary on tribal land is not without its challenges, but we have taken the necessary steps to ensure that Island Herbal is fully compliant with all state and federal regulations,” said Buck. “We have also implemented robust security measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers and employees.”
The cannabis industry in Minnesota is still in its infancy, but it is already showing signs of rapid growth. According to a recent report by the Minnesota Department of Health, the state’s medical cannabis program has seen a significant increase in patient enrollment, with over 35,000 patients now registered to purchase medical cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.
With the opening of Island Herbal, the Prairie Island Indian Community is poised to capture a significant share of this burgeoning market. The dispensary is expected to attract customers not only from the casino but also from surrounding communities, as it will be one of the few cannabis retailers in the area.
“We see Island Herbal as a way to diversify our economy and create new opportunities for our tribe,” said Buck. “We are excited to see where this venture takes us and are committed to providing safe and high-quality cannabis products to our customers.”
As the first Native American tribe in Minnesota to open a cannabis dispensary, the Prairie Island Indian Community is blazing a trail for others to follow. With Island Herbal now open for business, it will be interesting to see how other tribes in the state and across the country respond to this bold and innovative move.