GOODHUE COUNTY, Minnesota — The Mdewakanton Sioux Indian reservation in Goodhue County, Prairie Island Indian Community, announced plans to open a recreational cannabis dispensary in the coming months.
The new business venture, Island Peži (pay-zhee, meaning grass), still needs to obtain the necessary Tribal licensure and approval but officials said the opening is targeting "summer 2024."
"Island Peži is a step forward in our efforts to diversify our economy and strengthen our Tribe's long-term financial sovereignty," said Prairie Island Tribal Council President Grant Johnson in a news release. "We're excited to be among the first to enter the cannabis market and create new opportunities for the future of our Tribe."
The Prairie Island Indian Community enacted its own cannabis regulatory ordinance, which will act much like the state's regulatory system, according to the news release.
Island Peži is scheduled to open next to Dakota Station, a convenience store and gas station on Sturgeon Lake Road.
Last summer, the White Earth Tribal Nation in Mahnomen expanded its medicinal cannabis business to offer recreational sales, becoming the second dispensary in Minnesota.
The first dispensary to open in the state was NativeCare on the Red Lake Nation.
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