Minnesota has officially entered a new phase of its cannabis journey with the commencement of recreational marijuana sales at non-tribal dispensaries. RISE Dispensaries and Green Goods, previously serving only medical patients, are now among the first to offer adult-use cannabis products to consumers aged 21 and over. This significant development marks a major expansion of access, moving beyond the limited sales previously confined to tribal lands and signaling a new chapter for the state’s emerging cannabis industry.
The launch follows the legalization of recreational cannabis use in Minnesota in August 2023, a move that positioned the state as the 23rd in the nation to embrace such a market. While the law was enacted swiftly, the establishment of a robust regulatory framework and the issuance of necessary business licenses presented a more gradual rollout. Now, with the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) authorizing existing medical providers to transition to dual-use sales, Minnesotans have significantly broader legal access to cannabis products. This is a trending topic with many new events unfolding in the cannabis news landscape.
RISE and Green Goods Lead the Charge
RISE Dispensaries, a national retail chain operated by Green Thumb Industries, and Green Goods, managed by Vireo Growth, were among the first to receive the state’s medical cannabis combination business licenses. These licenses allow them to allocate up to one-third of their supply to recreational sales and also to wholesale products to other licensed retailers, thereby playing a crucial role in stocking the nascent market.
Green Goods began serving recreational customers at its eight locations across the state on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. RISE Dispensaries followed suit, launching adult-use sales at five of its locations on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, with plans to open their remaining stores shortly thereafter. These dispensaries have been integral to Minnesota’s medical cannabis program since its inception, with Green Goods dispensing the first medical products in July 2015. Their transition to recreational sales represents a significant expansion, bringing legal cannabis options to more communities, including major metro areas like Brooklyn Park, Eagan, and New Hope.
Ben Kovler, CEO of Green Thumb Industries, expressed enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “What a relief. You know, long time coming. It’s been a couple of years since the law changed and we’re ready for day one”. Similarly, Amber Shimpa, president of Vireo Growth, parent company of Green Goods, highlighted the historic nature of the event, calling the first adult-use sale a “full-circle moment” after more than a decade in the medical cannabis space.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is overseeing the implementation and regulation of Minnesota’s cannabis market, ensuring compliance with the new laws. OCM Director Eric Taubel noted that the state is “really at the launch point” and emphasized the office’s commitment to monitoring product levels to ensure adherence to regulations.
For recreational consumers, the new regulations introduce stricter purchase and potency caps compared to those for medical patients. Adults 21 and older can purchase up to two ounces of cannabis flower, eight grams of concentrate, and edibles containing up to 800 milligrams of THC per transaction. These limits differ from the medical program, where patients’ purchase amounts are determined by pharmacists for a 30-day supply. The OCM is tasked with ensuring product safety and market integrity as the industry develops.
Expanding Access and Future Outlook
The launch of sales at RISE and Green Goods significantly broadens access to legal cannabis, which was previously limited to a few tribal dispensaries and off-reservation stores. This expansion comes as the broader cannabis industry continues to mature, with new microbusiness retailers and other licensed operators preparing to enter the market. Legacy Cannabis in Duluth, for instance, opened as the first state-licensed non-tribal microbusiness retailer on Tuesday, September 16, partnering with the White Earth Nation.
Industry projections estimate Minnesota’s recreational cannabis market could reach $430 million by 2026. The existing medical providers are poised to play a vital role in supplying the market, with plans to wholesale products to other licensed dispensaries as they become operational. This collaborative approach is expected to foster growth and create a more robust and equitable cannabis ecosystem in the state. As more news emerges, the landscape of cannabis in Minnesota continues to evolve, presenting ongoing events and opportunities.
The opening of RISE Dispensaries and Green Goods marks a pivotal moment for Minnesota, offering consumers legal, regulated products and paving the way for further industry development. The state’s journey toward a fully operational adult-use cannabis market is underway, promising economic benefits and expanded consumer choice.
