CLOQUET, Minn. (Northern News Now) – ANANG Native Cannabis Co. in Cloquet opened its doors Monday, offering customers flower, edibles and THC drinks.

As the first recreational dispensary to open in the Twin Ports area, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa representatives are excited about the economic opportunity it gives the tribe.

Band member Jeff Savage says tribal businesses fund many of the tribe’s social services programs.

“It’ll bring more resources to our community to help build our reservation back the way it’s supposed to be,” said Savage.

The Fond du Lac Band’s communications director Caleb Dunlap highlights the 15 full-time jobs the dispensary has created and the business he hopes it will bring to the area.

“Right now, people are going to Michigan to get their product, like two hours away,” said Dunlap. “Not only do we hope to help save people gas money, but, you know, keep them local.”

Fond du Lac has been working closely with the State’s Office of Cannabis Management to launch the dispensary.

As sovereign nations, tribes have been able to move at a faster pace than other recreational dispensaries, which will have to apply through the State’s lottery process.

“We hope to be good examples for all the rest of Indian country and all of our non-Indian communities around the area,” said Savage.

However, being a leader also comes with extra pressures.

Savage remembers the tribe’s opening of casino operations in the 1980s.

“All of the political baggage that came with trying to create these new businesses like this, and being in the forefront of some of these new markets,” said Savage.

In spite of the challenges, the band is embracing the opportunity, recognizing it is just the start of the industry in Minnesota.

“As the state emerges into this industry, we have the opportunity to help reshape the narrative or the stories that have been told about cannabis,” said Dunlap.

The tribe is currently developing both indoor and outdoor growing facilities, which should be up and running in the next couple of weeks.

The dispensary, which is located on the reservation on Big Lake Road, is open to anyone over the age of 21 and is not limited to just tribal members.

Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis in 2023.

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