Community First in Anoka: The Opening of Anoka Cannabis Company

Minnesota’s first municipal dispensary. 88% solar powered. 100% of profits back to the community.

Author

Luke McCapes
February 10, 2026

I was on my way home to Brainerd and decided to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony
for the new Anoka Cannabis Company.

Close view of officials and guests as the ribbon is cut.

A closer look at the big moment.

Amidst much pomp and circumstance, this dispensary is the first in Minnesota to be
opened not only under the blessing of the city government, but under their pocketbook
too! Being the first municipally owned cannabis dispensary to open in Minnesota’s
newly licensed adult recreational cannabis market.

City staff and partners standing near the entrance with green and cream balloons.

City partners and community leaders gathered to mark Minnesota’s first municipally owned dispensary.

Outside, I and other cannabis industry professionals who were invited to the ceremony
patiently waited. It’s not that this is a first for anyone to see the inside of a cannabis
dispensary, so this much like the others is similar, however there are some very well
thought out building plans that simply aren’t an everyday process when opening a
dispensary.

Neighbors, industry pros, and curious first-timers wait for doors to open.

This building is almost completely self-sustaining, with an impressive 88% energy being garnered by solar power. A secured Sallyport was added to the building for increased security and less obvious delivery times and dates. It also adds extra area for gatherings if needed. The whole building was well planned and thought through.

Exterior with “88% Solar Powered” banner above the entrance.

Built for sustainability. The facility is powered 88% by solar.

Speaker at a podium in front of the storefront, media recording.

Opening remarks highlight safety, security, and thoughtful design.

Once inside the building, there were many of the usual products we have come to see
in the market, with the standard beverages, gummies, glassware, and more. This
dispensary also boasts a nice selection of flower (so far, tribal originations, however
there will be more competition soon with smaller cultivators coming online).

Front counter with staff, merch, and displays.

Inside the shop: familiar formats, quality selections, and welcoming staff.


The Anoka Cannabis Company also gives 100% of their profits back to the community.
This is rare now days.

100% of profits go back to the community.

Looking further, the grand opening and ribbon cutting, though very ceremonial and
special for everyone involved, the biggest winner of the day was everyone who attended
to see how a partnership between a government entity and an industry that less than 5
years ago, would never have been a thought.

Photographer filming the event in the lot.

Media turned out too, signaling broader interest in this public-private model.

The people in attendance came from all over, council members, county commissioners,
Mayors and other dignitaries. The cannabis industry came in strong with representation
from all over Minnesota, not just the usual cities in the metro, representatives also showed up from Walker, Brainerd Lakes Area, Duluth, and even Wisconsin had industry
professionals showing up to support this new venture.

Vision and values signage outside the building.

Vision in plain view: community first, integrity, transparency, trust.

This time it was obvious that we are not afraid to introduce ourselves, offer education
and guidance to the new partners in this industry. This is the time that Minnesota learns that the cannabis industry in Minnesota is strong, we have highly (pun intended) trained,
passionate and compliant professionals who could possibly rival some of our more seasoned professional in other legal states as well. Cannabis in Minnesota, It’s safe to
say it’s here and our citizens are mostly happy with the decision to legalize.

Grand Opening of the Anoka Cannabis Co.

Words and photos by Luke McCapes

Reply

or to participate.