East Grand Forks: Dispensary Planned at Burger King

East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — East Grand Forks may soon get a new retail cannabis store.

The White Earth Nation has filed a demolition request with the city.

Former Burger King site targeted

The request involves the former Burger King on Central Avenue Northwest.

The restaurant has been closed, and the building is set for removal.

City permits are expected soon, after the council was notified.

Plans call for a new dispensary at or near that location.

Final design details have not been released by the tribe.

Tribal compact changes the rules

The project is tied to a state and tribal cannabis compact.

That agreement lets the tribe issue its own operating licenses.

The White Earth Nation can open up to eight stores in Minnesota.

It already operates dispensaries in Moorhead and St. Cloud.

The stores use the Waabigwan Mashkiki brand in Minnesota.

City cap, but an exception

East Grand Forks limits retail cannabis registrations to two.

The rule allows one downtown site and one highway site.

Tribal operations are not bound by that local cap.

That could allow a third store in the city.

Council Member Ben Pokrzywinski said the city has little choice.

He said he wants a tighter local limit in the future.

Other cannabis businesses are still waiting

The city has given preliminary approval to two more businesses.

Those retailers are moving through Minnesota’s state licensing process.

Officials have not shared a firm timeline for final licenses.

Locations for those two stores are also not public yet.

Earlier debates included Council Member Donald Casmey.

City Attorney Ron Galstad also discussed limits under state law.

What happens next

The demolition permit is one early step in the process.

Zoning, building reviews, and site plans can follow.

For non-tribal stores, a state license is also required.

State rules and timelines can change as licensing expands.

Where to learn more

State licensing details are posted by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.

The city’s two-store limit is outlined in its cannabis ordinance.

The state-tribal agreement is described in the signed cannabis compact.

White Earth’s dispensary brand is listed at Waabigwan Mashkiki.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.