Minnesota's Osseo to Launch Government-Run Cannabis Store by 2026

Osseo, Minnesota is set to open a government-run cannabis store by mid-2026, marking a significant development in the state's cannabis industry. This initiative follows the groundbreaking of another municipally owned dispensary in Anoka earlier this year, which signals a growing trend of municipal involvement in cannabis retail. The Osseo store will be located in the former Osseo Press & News building, a 7,480-square-foot space that is being repurposed for this new venture

The Osseo City Council's approval of a public-private partnership model in November has paved the way for this project. The city has teamed up with Voyageur Cannabis Services, a Minnesota-based cannabis retail management firm, to manage the store's operations. This collaboration is designed to generate revenue for local services and alleviate the tax burden on residents, offering a financial boost to the community

Osseo Mayor Duane Poppe highlighted the initiative's potential to benefit residents by providing an alternative funding source for local government. Under Minnesota's cannabis regulations, the city will hold the state license and collect profits, while Voyageur will handle the operational aspects such as staffing, training, compliance, and inventory management. This setup aims to ensure that the store meets all state requirements while serving the community's needs

In addition to the government-run store, Osseo has approved the opening of a private cannabis retailer, Roz Chunks. This dual approach is expected to enhance economic activity and provide more options for consumers seeking legal cannabis products. Notably, Osseo's government-run store will be only the second non-tribal example of its kind in the United States, following a similar venture in North Bonneville, Washington, which operated from 2015 to 2021

The establishment of municipally owned cannabis stores in Minnesota reflects a broader trend of local governments exploring new revenue streams through the cannabis industry. With tribal governments also running cannabis outlets, the landscape is diversifying, offering a variety of models for cannabis retail. This development in Osseo could serve as a model for other municipalities looking to enter the cannabis market while supporting local economies