Ever wonder what cannabis culture is like in Minnesota? Just head to Island Peži, they’ll tell you!
A native cannabis company from The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC), Island Peži recently celebrated its first anniversary with a block party for the books.
Serving as one first to open a legal adult-use recreational dispensary in Minnesota, Island Peži boasts a 13-acre cultivation campus featuring sun-grown and greenhouse cannabis growing operations, as well as facilities for extraction, processing and distribution. While the state of Minnesota has yet to issue licenses to non-tribal entities, Island Pezi has demonstrated not only success, but potential of a regulated marketplace.
The highly-anticipated block party offered raffles, prizes and pop-ups from vendors including North Star Canna, Slay Beverages and Ganja Skoden, and local food trucks. To show love back to the community, attendees received a complimentary pre-roll with any purchase.
“Our cannabis investments have created a long-term revenue stream for our community and future generations of our tribal members,” said Grant Johnson, Prairie Island Tribal Council President. “We’re proud to honor responsible stewardship of our land as we focus on regenerative agricultural practices that will support a sustainable and responsible ecosystem for these operations.”
Honeysuckle spoke with Christine Bordenave, Director of Operations at Prairie Island CBH.
What’s cannabis culture like in Minnesota?
Cannabis culture in Minnesota is still in its early stages and continues to evolve. Until recently, the focus has primarily been on hemp-derived and low-dose THC products, so many consumers are just beginning to explore the broader possibilities of legal cannabis. That said, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive—people are curious, open-minded, and excited about what’s to come.
What has been the most exciting thing about opening Island Pezi?
The most exciting part has been seeing such a diverse group of people walk through our doors—young, old, experienced users, and first-timers alike. The genuine excitement and curiosity they bring creates an incredibly rewarding atmosphere. It’s amazing to be part of a historic shift in the state and to help shape how cannabis is introduced to our community.
What was the reality of launching?
The biggest challenge was product availability. With a brand-new market, sourcing consistent, high-quality products wasn’t easy. We also had to navigate customer expectations—especially around pricing—as many people were basing their assumptions on the hemp and CBD market, which operates quite differently.
What do you want consumers to take away from visiting your store?
We want every visitor to feel welcome, informed, and comfortable—regardless of their experience level. Whether you're completely new to cannabis or a seasoned consumer, our goal is to provide a clean, friendly environment where you can ask questions, explore products, and find what’s right for you.
