Thief River Falls (trfnews.i234.me) — Red Lake Nation says it plans to open two off-reservation cannabis dispensaries after signing an agreement with the State of Minnesota this week.
Red Lake’s NativeCare dispensary announced it expects to open a location in Thief River Falls on Dec. 31.
NativeCare also said it plans to open a second off-reservation location in West St. Paul in January.
Agreement signed with Minnesota
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management announced Gov. Tim Walz signed a cannabis cooperative agreement with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.
State officials say the agreement creates a path for partnerships with state-licensed cannabis businesses for product supply.
Minnesota has also created a system of cannabis compacts and cooperative agreements with Tribal Nations.
What Red Lake leaders are saying
Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. said the tribe wants its cannabis operations to succeed.
He said the goal is to support tribal infrastructure work and expand job opportunities for tribal members.
In a separate statement, Red Lake officials described the agreement as a step toward economic opportunity.
Background on NativeCare
NativeCare is the Red Lake Nation’s tribally owned cannabis operation.
It drew statewide attention after opening early in Minnesota’s legalization era.
NativeCare information is available through the company’s official website at NativeCare.
What happens next
Red Lake Nation has not yet released full details on store addresses and hours in these public updates.
The announced timeline calls for a Thief River Falls opening on New Year’s Eve.
The West St. Paul opening is expected sometime in January, according to the same announcements.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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