Healing Harvest is embarking on a significant transition in St. Peter, Minnesota, as it prepares to operate as a licensed cannabis dispensary focusing on education and wellness. After a lengthy application process that began with the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Minnesota in 2023, the business received its cannabis license from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management approximately two months ago, according to co-owner Brittany Brown.
Customers can expect visible changes in the product offerings as new inventory arrives, which will include cannabis-derived and smokeable products previously unavailable in the area. Brown emphasized the importance of providing a positive cannabis experience to help eliminate the stigma surrounding its use. “We want people to have a good experience with cannabis, and we want to help end that stigma of cannabis being this dangerous drug,” she stated, highlighting its potential benefits for pain relief, sleep, and anxiety.
New Inventory and Partnerships
With the new license, Healing Harvest will offer products that align with Minnesota’s evolving cannabis regulations, particularly focusing on flower and vape products. The initial cannabis inventory will be sourced from the Prairie Island Indian Community, which runs Island Pezi in Welch. This partnership will provide cannabis cultivated using environmentally sustainable methods, as outlined in a recent Forbes article referenced by Brown.
Expected initial offerings include edibles and vape cartridges, with flower products anticipated later, potentially in January 2024, contingent on regulatory approvals and supply chain timelines. Brown expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting, “It’s cool to see Minnesota Native American communities helping to support social equity stateside dispensaries.”
Navigating the Licensing Process
Healing Harvest qualified as a social equity applicant under Minnesota’s cannabis law, which aims to support individuals adversely affected by past cannabis prohibition. Brown’s family history with a cannabis-related conviction contributed to the business’s eligibility. She described the licensing process as the most challenging experience she has faced, requiring extensive documentation such as security plans, staff training protocols, and contamination prevention measures.
“It is a very, very intense, rigorous application process. A lot of people end up having to hire consultants or lawyers to be able to navigate the complexity of the application,” Brown said.
She also noted that many applicants take substantial financial risks in hopes of securing a license in the burgeoning cannabis industry. Brown cautioned that establishing firm timelines can be challenging due to the regulatory reviews and inventory approvals involved in Minnesota’s new cannabis market.
To keep customers informed, Healing Harvest plans to communicate updates through its mobile app, email notifications, and in-store signage as new products become available. Education remains a central tenet of the business model. Staff members will be trained to discuss cannabinoids, dosing, and individual customer goals, particularly benefiting first-time or cautious consumers.
Co-owner Jennifer Brown pointed out that many consumers lack fundamental knowledge about dosage or product strength, which can lead to negative experiences. “They’re not being told where they’re getting it from, whether it’s the retailer or it’s their friends that are just giving them an edible,” she explained. “You need to be safe, and it needs to be something that your body tolerates.”
With a dedicated team of nine staff members and strong community interest, Healing Harvest aims to establish itself as a “safe, community cannabis hub.” Brittany Brown reiterated the commitment to providing a welcoming environment where customers can access safe products and reliable information.
