Closest marijuana dispensary to Twin Cities opens next to Treasure Island Casino

Island Pezi , the new recreational marijuana dispensary from Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC), has opened its doors, marking the closest dispensary to the Twin Cities to open since recreational use of the drug was legalized last August.

The store next to Treasure Island Resort & Casino opened its doors on Monday, though it will have its official grand opening starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with a green ribbon cutting, followed by food trucks from Trickster Tacos and Misfits Coffee, Chez Annalise, BLNCD, White Earth, and Slay Beverages, giveaways, vendors, and live music from DJ Austin.

While Minnesota is still formulating the licensing process for retail sales of cannabis across the state, tribal nations have been quick to capitalize on the August 2023 legalization of recreational marijuana by opening dispensaries on their own land.

While several have opened in northern Minnesota, the Treasure Island location in Welch marks the shortest drive for Twin Cities customers, with the casino in Welch about a 40-minute drive from St. Paul and about 55 minutes from Minneapolis.

"Cannabis can provide several benefits for Minnesotans," President of Prairie Island CBH, Blake Johnson, said to Bring Me The News . "The community wanted to ensure that this Dakota culture was identified in the identity of this business venture and wanted to shine through to represent our people in our community."

According to Johnson, the plan of opening a recreational dispensary has been in the works since the Minnesota Legislature legalized the drug.

"One of the first things the council did was adopt the Prairie Island cannabis ordinance," says Johnson. "From there, a cannabis regulatory commission was built that oversees licenses, licensing, and everything that happens within cannabis."

Customers will soon be able to order online, with options including flowers, vaporizers, tinctures, and edibles. Purchases will also be available in-store for cash only for now, but card payments will be available soon.

The cannabis available for purchase comes from different tribal councils, including the White Earth Nation in northwestern Minnesota.

"This is a unique opportunity to showcase the ability of tribes to work together and trade," Johnson said.

According to Johnson, the profits from the dispensary will go straight into tribal funding for government programs such as education, public safety, and other services.

"I think for us, we look at this opportunity to diversify our economy within the tribe," says Johnson. "I think diversifying the businesses to help grow our communities and to help run our programs is very exciting.

The dispensary is at 6030 Sturgeon Lake Rd Suite B, Welch, MN, 55089.