OSSEO, Minn. — The City of Osseo has officially confirmed plans to open a municipally owned cannabis dispensary at 33 2nd St. NE, the longtime home of the Osseo Press & News. Following a series of work sessions and a formal council vote in November, the project is fully approved and moving toward a mid-2026 launch.

The city has selected Voyageur Cannabis Services to manage daily operations under a public–private partnership model that city leaders say will generate revenue and reduce pressure on local taxpayers.

“It was an attempt to be responsive to the residents and try to find ways to help fund government that [does] not solely fall on the backs of the people living here.”
— Mayor Duane Poppe, via CCX Media

A Strategic Reuse of a Downtown Landmark

The future dispensary site — a 7,480-square-foot, single-story commercial building constructed around 1960 — served for decades as the headquarters of the Osseo Press & News (and earlier, the Champlin-Dayton Press). After purchasing the property, the city evaluated several potential uses before designating it as the location for its cannabis retail operation.

City officials say selecting a city-owned property offers several benefits:

• Local control over design, security, and aesthetic impact
• Clear oversight of neighborhood integration and customer traffic
• Cost savings by avoiding new commercial real estate purchases or leases

Mayor Poppe said the building’s visibility, layout, and location just off Central Avenue made it an ideal candidate for conversion.

A Municipal Enterprise With a Professional Operator

Osseo’s store will operate under a municipal model in which the city holds the state cannabis license and collects all profits. Those revenues are expected to support local services and help diversify the city’s financial base.

To run the business, Osseo has contracted Voyageur Cannabis Services, a Minnesota-based firm specializing in cannabis retail management and regulatory compliance.

Defined Responsibilities

• City of Osseo: Owns the building and the cannabis license, sets policy, and provides regulatory oversight.
• Voyageur Cannabis Services: Responsible for staffing, training, compliance, inventory control, security systems, and overall day-to-day management.

City staff have emphasized that partnering with an experienced operator minimizes municipal risk and ensures compliance with Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis regulations.

Timeline and Council Actions

The municipal cannabis initiative advanced through several key steps in late 2025:

• October 27, 2025: Council work session confirms intent to use the 33 2nd St. NE property.
• November 10, 2025: Council formally approves the city’s Cannabis Registration Application.
• Mid-2026: Target opening date, pending renovations and state approval.

Renovation plans include security enhancements, technology upgrades, and compliance measures required for state licensure.

Osseo to Host Two Cannabis Retailers

Under state law, Osseo is permitted to host up to two cannabis retailers based on its population size. The city has elected to use both allotments:

1. Municipal Store: Operated by the city at the former Press building.
2. Private Store: The council also approved a private retailer, Roz Chunks, LLC, to open at 332 Central Ave.

City leaders say the combined public–private approach expands local access, drives economic activity, and allows Osseo to retain a share of the industry’s financial benefits.

Next Steps

Before opening, the city must complete interior renovation work, finalize its operational contract with Voyageur, install required security and tracking systems, and secure state licensure. Mayor Poppe has expressed confidence that the project remains on schedule.

If completed as planned, Osseo will become one of Minnesota’s earliest adopters of a municipally operated cannabis retail model — a strategy that local officials say balances economic opportunity with community oversight.

MinneapoliMedia