Albert Lea, Minnesota is at the center of an unfolding story in the state’s growing cannabis industry. After initially rejecting the local registration for The Smoking Tree by a narrow 4–3 vote, the city council is giving the potential Albert Lea cannabis business another chance to make its case.
The Smoking Tree received its official state license on July 17, positioning it to become the first Albert Lea cannabis business. However, despite meeting state requirements, the local city council denied its registration on July 28, citing concerns not with the business itself, but with the broader lack of local authority under Minnesota’s cannabis legislation.
City Manager Ian Rigg clarified that the council’s rejection was driven by uncertainty over how much local control municipalities actually have in cannabis regulation. “It wasn’t a reflection of the Smoking Tree,” said Rigg. “The concern lies in how the state's law limits our influence over local implementation.”
Councilor Larry Baker, who represents Ward 2, echoed this concern during the meeting. “We know what’s best for us,” Baker said, lamenting that local governments have limited say in the framework established by the state. These concerns have made the approval process more complicated for any Albert Lea cannabis business.
This ambiguity has created confusion among constituents and raised questions about how future cannabis businesses will be handled.
Jacob Schlichter, owner of the Smoking Tree, understands the city’s hesitation. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic and committed to working with city attorneys and staff to find common ground. “My city is great. I stand by them,” Schlichter said. “It’s a hiccup, a bump in the road.”
At the upcoming August 11 city council meeting, Schlichter’s Smoking Tree won’t be the only Albert Lea cannabis business vying for approval. Matchbox Farms, another applicant, is preparing to submit its registration as well. With only two local slots available for cannabis businesses, competition is already intensifying.
The city’s original plan was to approve qualified applications on a first-come, first-served basis. However, with growing demand and community concern, the path forward for any Albert Lea cannabis business may now involve deeper discussion, negotiation, and public input.
As Minnesota continues to build its legal cannabis framework, Albert Lea is shaping up to be a microcosm of the challenges cities face. For those looking to establish an Albert Lea cannabis business, transparency, collaboration, and adaptability will be key to success.
Stay tuned as the city council reconvenes and decides the future of cannabis in the community.
