The first government-run marijuana retailer in Minnesota has officially opened its doors, marking another milestone in the state’s adult-use cannabis program.
The city of Anoka announced last week that it had completed constructions of the facility. Now the shop is operational, with a “historic” soft launch on Thursday, Mayor Erik Skogquist said.
“Our residents want safe, vibrant and well maintained communities, while keeping taxes as low as practicable,” he said. “The Anoka Cannabis Company allows the city of Anoka to do just that.”
While lawmakers outside of Minnesota have previously floated proposals to have state-run dispensaries, that’s been met with resistance in states like Pennsylvania. But Anoka sees a unique opportunity to demonstrate how municipal government can leverage legalization in a way that more directly benefits local residents and initiatives.
Kevin Morelli, city manager of liquor and cannabis operations, said the retailer is sourcing its cannabis from the Prairie Island Indian Community and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Minnesota Public Radio reported.
“We hope to be busy,” he said. “There’s not many open and, again, we want people to come here and just keep coming back. We want to build loyalty.”
The dispensary is open over the weekend for customers
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