MANKATO, Minn. — Adults 21 and older in Mankato can now legally purchase marijuana for recreational use thanks to RISE Cannabis, the city’s first dispensary offering both medical and adult-use cannabis. Previously, residents without medical cannabis cards had to travel out of state or buy from unregulated sources. Now, RISE Cannabis provides a safe, tested, and legal option right in town.
Local medical cannabis user Leah Petersen praised the change, explaining that it improves safety and convenience for consumers. “With my friends, I told them just wait until it’s recreational. Stop going to people’s houses because they travel out of state to go to dispensaries. So, it makes it a lot easier that it’s like in town now,” Petersen said about RISE Cannabis.
President of Operations, stated that RISE Cannabis not only offers safe, tested access to marijuana but also creates jobs, generates tax revenue, and invests in organizations that strengthen Minnesota. This approach makes RISE Cannabis a key player in Mankato’s evolving cannabis market.
Mankato City Manager Susan Arntz clarified how RISE Cannabis fits within local licensing rules. Because RISE Cannabis serves as both a medical and recreational store, it does not count toward the city’s four licensed recreational cannabis retailers. Arntz noted that several other businesses are currently in the licensing process, but RISE Cannabis remains the first in town to begin recreational sales.
Petersen added that the arrival of RISE Cannabis is especially welcome in a college town like Mankato. “I think it’s really cool being a college town and all. I think they’re keeping up with the times. So, it is really cool to see these updates,” she said, reflecting the enthusiasm of many local residents for RISE Cannabis.
Looking ahead, Arntz emphasized that RISE Cannabis and other dispensaries will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with Minnesota laws, including not selling to anyone under 21. This accountability underscores the importance of responsible operations as RISE Cannabis expands recreational access in the region.
With its dual medical and recreational model, focus on safety, and community investment, RISE Cannabis is setting a new standard for marijuana retail in Minnesota. Its arrival marks a milestone for Mankato, bringing legal cannabis sales into the mainstream while supporting local jobs and public health.
