Cannabis

The Bemidji Planning Commission, a largely citizen body, passed off the interim use permit to the board without recommendations after months of discussion. It passed Feb. 9, 2026, on a 5-1 vote.

The court ruled that cannabis possession by Thompson, as an enrolled member on the White Earth band living on the reservation, became a civil matter once MN legalized recreational marijuana.

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians is the sixth of Minnesota's 11 federally recognized tribes to sign a cannabis compact with the state of Minnesota.

Those who have high hopes for cannabis dispensaries in Greater Minnesota say the bottleneck is contributing to supply shortages, stymying businesses trying to break into the industry.

Plus: Gov. Tim Walz has now signed four cannabis compacts with tribal nations, the latest being the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; and the girls' state tennis tournament wrapped up with a few Northland consolation champions.

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is the fourth tribal nation to sign the intergovernmental contract that allows tribal cannabis businesses to operate off tribally regulated land.

After a lengthy public hearing and discussion, the City Council adopted its amended cannabis ordinance 4-1 to allow a business to move into the former Anderson Fabrics plant.

The state’s Office of Cannabis Management offers guidance on the laws but has no legal authority to compel cities or counties into compliance. This leaves it up to individuals to challenge local ordinances in court.

The Blackduck City Council hosted the first of two public hearings amending its cannabis ordinance after a cultivator expressed interest in the former Shade Store manufacturing plant.

The Council heard a proposal to bring in the industry and 150 jobs after the Shade Store closed manufacturing operations in 2025. But the cannabis ordinance would need changes.