New Cannabis Dispensary Near Twin Cities

The Prairie Island Indian Community has opened Island Peži, an adult-use retail cannabis dispensary, near Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing, about 40 miles from the Twin Cities. This makes Island Peži the closest tribally owned cannabis store to the metro area. The store’s name, “Peži,” is the Dakota word for grass.

Grand Opening Celebration

Island Peži’s grand opening on Saturday will feature vendors, food trucks, and live music. Blake Johnson, president of Prairie Island Cannabis Holdings Inc., emphasized the tribe’s commitment to running a safe and regulated business. The dispensary offers a variety of cannabis products, including flower from White Earth Nation’s Waabigwan Mashkiki cultivation facility, and hemp-derived gummies, beverages, topicals, and oils from Minnesota businesses.

Customer Experiences

During the soft opening, a steady stream of customers visited Island Peži, many purchasing cannabis legally in Minnesota for the first time. Patty, a local resident, bought THC and CBD gummies and found the prices comparable to other states’ dispensaries. She expressed interest in returning and looks forward to a broader product selection.

Future Expansion Plans

The tribe plans to build its own cultivation facility nearby, with indoor and outdoor growing spaces. Johnson highlighted the economic benefits the cannabis business could bring to the self-sufficient Prairie Island Community. “We’re a self-sufficient tribe, and this is one way to continue to push that,” Johnson said.

Excitement and Opportunities

“We’re very excited about this opening and I think it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase the hard work and dedication to running a safe and regulated business,” said Johnson.