The Twin Cities have officially gone green as several shops opened their doors this week to sell Recreational Cannabis to adults 21 and older. After two years of legalization, the moment has finally arrived for consumers to purchase Recreational Cannabis legally in places like Brooklyn Park and Eagan. Ribbon cuttings, long lines, and smiling customers marked the start of this new chapter in Minnesota’s cannabis industry.
Local residents expressed excitement at finally having access to Recreational Cannabis close to home. Gary Klum, who traveled from Minneapolis to one of the new stores, said it’s “pretty nice to have it within 20 minutes of my house now.” For many customers, the availability of Recreational Cannabis means safer, regulated products without the need to cross state lines or rely on untested sources.
This rollout comes thanks to the Office of Cannabis Management, which recently issued licenses to two medical cannabis providers to begin selling Recreational Cannabis. Those providers, RISE and Green Goods, are now serving adult-use customers alongside their existing medical cannabis patients.
This dual model helps streamline access while maintaining high safety standards for Recreational Cannabis across the state.
Ben Kovler, CEO of Green Thumb Industries the Chicago-based company operating Roy’s dispensaries said the team is thrilled to be part of Minnesota’s historic launch. “It’s been a couple of years since the law changed, and we’re ready for day one here,” he said. Kovler emphasized that all of their Recreational Cannabis products in Minnesota are grown in-state, continuing a practice that began with medical cannabis in Cottage Grove in 2021.
The CEO also noted that demand for Recreational Cannabis is expected to grow as more micro-businesses enter the market. For now, he said, supply is steady enough to meet customer needs across all Minnesota locations.
Shops like Roy’s and others have spent months preparing for this launch, training staff, and building out inventory to ensure a smooth experience for Recreational Cannabis buyers.
With new stores opening and strict compliance measures in place, Minnesota’s Recreational Cannabis market is set to expand rapidly. This launch not only provides adults with legal, regulated access to Recreational Cannabis but also creates jobs, generates tax revenue, and supports a new wave of local entrepreneurship in the Twin Cities.
