What we know: How, when, where you’ll be able to get recreational weed – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Minnesota in under two weeks. 

Beginning Aug. 1, people 21 and older can possess, use and grow cannabis in limited amounts. Purchasing marijuana, on the other hand, is a bit more complex – at least for now.  

Here’s what we know: 

When will Minnesota’s first recreational dispensaries open? 

People can legally use cannabis in Minnesota beginning Aug. 1, but dispensaries outside of tribal reservations (more on that below) won’t open for at least another year – some estimate in early 2025. Dispensaries can’t open until the state figures out a licensing system for the businesses. 

Where will the first recreational cannabis dispensary be?

Tribal governments don’t have to wait for the state’s licensing system to open dispensaries. The first recreational marijuana dispensary opens Aug. 1 on the Red Lake Nation in north central Minnesota. 

Minnesota’s 11 Native American tribal nations are sovereign, meaning they can operate independently from state laws and regulations. 

The Red Lake dispensary is called NativeCare and has been providing medical marijuana to band members and non-members since April. 

The dispensary on Aug. 1 will expand to selling recreational cannabis, and anyone 21 and older will be able to shop there. According to the dispensary’s website, the shop is currently…