PRAIRIE ISLAND INDIAN COMMUNITY, Minn. — Minnesota‘s fourth marijuana dispensary is now open about an hour from the Twin Cities.
Island Pezi, which means “grass” in the Dakota language, is located on land of the Prairie Island Indian Community in Welch, owned and operated by the tribal nation.
“It is very important to be able to diversify our economy and attract other sources of income for our community that depends on these types of businesses for our government to function,” said Blake Johnson, president of Prairie Island CBH Inc.
Johnson says the money made from the dispensary will go toward the tribe’s health care and education.
The store employs about three dozen people.
“We have a couple (tribe) members who have never had a job before,” Johnson said. “This opportunity gives them that and they are excited to have a job.”
However, the business has a peculiarity. The people of Prairie Island still do not grow or cultivate marijuana on their own.
They have signed a unique commercial agreement to supply their shelves. They buy flowers from the White Earth Nation.
“A long time ago, tribes used to have intertribal agreements to trade goods,” Johnson said. “This helps us support each other and be able to move forward in a way that is good for everyone.”
Minnesota’s Native American tribes have been the first in this budding industry, and until the floodgates of competition finally open, Johnson says they are excited to be able to immediately supply Minnesotans.
Island Pezi will have a grand opening celebration on Saturday.
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