Native tribe opens first Minnesota cannabis lounge

In another first for Native cannabis, Minnesota’s first cannabis consumption lounge will open Friday on tribal land.

The Anang Tasting Lounge & Dispensary on Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa tribal land in Carlton will allow guests to consume solventless concentrates, the tribe announced.

It’s an expansion of an existing tribal cannabis operation that until now has been focused on cultivation, the tribe said in a press release.

“This expansion of ANANG Native Cannabis Co. reflects our commitment to sovereignty, innovation, and responsible economic development,” Bruce Savage, chairman of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, said in a statement.

“It positions the Fond du Lac Band as a national leader in cannabis hospitality and craft production, and it establishes a destination
that honors our land and our values while setting a new standard for the future of this industry.”

Are cannabis consumption lounge licenses available in Minnesota?

It’s another example of tribal cannabis operators moving more quickly than state-regulated businesses in Minnesota.

Last year, tribal operators were the first to offer sales for adult-use customers in the state.

And in the case of cannabis consumption lounges, tribal authorities offer something state-regulated businesses can’t.

Minnesota does not permit cannabis lounges for smoking and dabbing, though the state allows on-site consumption of edible products at microbusinesses.

Tribes across the country – including in Minnesota – legalized cannabis in their jurisdictions, sometimes without waiting for the state government to make the first move.

Tribal land is sovereign property under federal law.

A trained cannabis host will guide visitors through the aromas and effects of products, which must be purchased on site.

Anang is teaming up with the adjacent Black Bear Casino Resort and Golf Course for outdoor concerts, cannabis golf events and cultural and programming, according to

How fast is Minnesota’s cannabis market growing?

Over the past 12 months, medical and recreational cannabis sales in Minnesota reached $177.85 million, according to the state’s Office of Cannabis Management.

Since launching non-tribal adult-use cannabis stores in September, recreational sales have steadily increased.

Excluding cannabis sold on tribal land, adult-use sales reached a total of $79.07 million between November and April.

Minnesota has issued licenses to 145 adult-use retail stores and 22 medical dispensaries, according to the OCM.

Adult-use cannabis sales got off to a slow start. Last October, just two cultivators were growing marijuana plants, making it difficult for retailers to stock their shelves – but positioning tribal cannabis operators as a viable alternative thanks to state-level trade compacts signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz.

To date, the OCM has issued 56 cultivation and 29 manufacturing licenses.