Best Dispensaries in Minneapolis & St. Paul

Before diving into the best dispensaries in Minneapolis and St. Paul, we think a short Minnesota cannabis history lesson will give you some important context. Way back in 1976, Minnesota was involved in a short-lived wave of cannabis decriminalization sweeping the U.S. As part of this wave, state legislators reduced the penalty of possession of 1.5 ounces or less to a petty misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $200. This gave those with a love for cannabis the hope that this wonderous plant was finally being given the recognition it deserved. 

Medical Marijuana in Minnesota

The Minnesota Medical Marijuana Act, which legalized the use of medicinal cannabis in Minnesota, was signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton in May 2014. However, this law was considered to be one of the most restrictive in the country due to the extremely limited number of medical conditions that qualified and very few forms of cannabis products that it legalized. 

Hope for Those in Need

In November 2018, Tim Walz became governor of Minnesota. He argued that legalizing cannabis and allowing MN dispensary sales of recreational products could bring in a big new source of tax revenue if it was regulated properly, as well as reduce the number of people locked up for drug offenses. In January 2019, a bill was introduced that would have allowed adults to grow, possess and purchase limited quantities of cannabis from dispensaries in Minnesota. But in March 2019, Republicans in the Minnesota Senate voted the measure down.

Changing Times in Minnesota

In July 2022, it became legal to sell food and beverages that contain limited amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as long as it was derived from hemp. This was mostly enacted to address previously unregulated Delta-8 THC. When Democrats regained control of the Minnesota Senate in 2022, they made it clear that cannabis would top their list of legislative priorities — and in January 2023, a bill was introduced to legalize adult-use marijuana and allow MN dispensary recreational sales. Bill HF 100 was then passed in April 2023 and signed into law by Governor Walz on May 30, making recreational use of cannabis legal in Minnesota beginning August 1, 2023. 

Legalized Cannabis Within Minnesota

The new legislation provided full decriminalization for Minnesotans to use, possess and transport up to two ounces of cannabis flower in a public place and keep up to two pounds in a private residence. This is in addition to up to eight grams of concentrate and edibles with a combined 800 milligrams or less of THC. 

Minnesota then became the 23rd state in the US to acknowledge the benefits available from marijuana and legalize recreational usage. While general licensing for any new MN dispensary is in the works but not yet available, preapproval for those who meet social equity eligibility requirements has already begun. In the meantime, while adult use dispensary sales will not be available until March 1, 2025, there are currently a few great Minnesota dispensary choices available for those who choose to partake and qualify under Minnesota’s medical cannabis program. Here are some of the best dispensaries in Minnesota we have found: 

GREEN GOODS

Founded by a board-certified emergency medicine physician who was originally skeptical about medical marijuana but then encountered numerous patients who used cannabis to successfully alleviate their pain and suffering, Green Goods provides quality goods to good people. Every step of their shopping experience is designed to match customers to the safe and natural medical cannabis products that are best for them while providing outstanding service that is second to none. 

In business for eight years, their MN dispensary in Minneapolis is one of 18 Green Goods locations located in Minnesota and Maryland. With an amazing array of product choices all designed to enhance your wellbeing, Green Goods’ trained and educated team ensure that their patients receive the right dosages of the right medications for their needs. 

RISE

With 83 dispensaries in 14 different states and seven locations within Minnesota, their St. Paul dispensary is open seven days a week and offers curbside pickup as well as online and in-store shopping for MN medical cannabis. 

Originally founded in 2015, Rise believes cannabis makes life better — and they won’t be quiet about it. Rise has a mission to create a community around cannabis, one that is as inclusive as it is sustainable, and a commitment to helping shoppers discover wellbeing through the power of cannabis. As one of the best dispensaries in St. Paul, Rise provides the highest quality cannabis and has donated millions of dollars to nonprofits and organizations that support education initiatives nationwide. 

SIMPLY CRAFTED

This Minneapolis dispensary founded in 2019 provides THC products that are Minnesota-compliant, as all the cannabinoid products sold by Simply Crafted are derived from hemp plants grown in the U.S.A. Committed to the highest standards regarding solvents and contaminants, this dispensary Minneapolis pledges for a greener and fairer tomorrow by advocating for the Last Prisoner Project and committing to the wellness of their community. 

Indulging in their meticulously crafted edibles, beverages, flower, pre-rolls and concentrates means you’re not just choosing health, but you’re choosing hope and action for your planet and its people by supporting one of the best dispensaries in Minneapolis. 

NOTHING BUT HEMP

When it comes to dispensaries in St. Paul, Nothing But Hemp has earned the reputation of being one of the leading suppliers of edibles with THC concentrations below .03% and premium-quality hemp-derived THC and CBD oil. With retail stores in both Minnesota and Florida, including a dispensary Minneapolis, Nothing But Hemp was established to create safe and effective products, educate clients and provide an all-encompassing hemp experience with all of their employees receiving intensive training on hemp products and professional certification in CBD Physiology and Health. 

Get to know the best dispensaries in St. Paul and more at CannaCon!

March 2025 will be here before we know it! With it will come an abundance of weed dispensaries St. Paul as well as your choice of recreational dispensary Minneapolis. 

If you’re a planner, why not plan to pay a visit to CannaCon Midwest in St. Paul on August 16 and 17, 2024? With a myriad of speakers, a wealth of exhibitors and hundreds of like-minded attendees, CannaCon St. Paul will be the B2B event of the summer! Your ticket grants you access to all the latest consumer products and cannabis technology as well as a peek into the trends that will influence the future marketplace. Get your tickets today for an experience you’ll never forget. CannaCon — there’s nothing else like it.