Crow Wing Green Group seeks support for small cannabis business in Brainerd

In a recent meeting of the Crow Wing County Board, a representative from the Crow Wing Green Group, a small hemp and cannabis company, passionately addressed the board about the challenges faced by small businesses in the evolving cannabis industry. Speaking from the heart, the representative detailed their journey since being licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in 2019 and their transition to a micro business license under the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

With the recent signing of the omnibus cannabis policy bill by the governor, the landscape for cannabis permits has shifted. The city of Brainerd is moving forward with plans to allow two retail locations, and the representative expressed optimism about securing one of these permits, given their proactive approach to the city’s regulations. However, they voiced concerns about the stringent land use ordinances that favor larger corporate entities over small craft businesses like theirs.

The representative urged the county to revisit these regulations, advocating for a more supportive framework that would enable small businesses to thrive in a competitive market. They emphasized their willingness to collaborate with county officials to find solutions that would benefit local entrepreneurs without imposing the same burdens faced by larger corporations.

As the meeting concluded, the representative's call for action resonated, highlighting the ongoing struggle for small businesses in the cannabis sector and the need for local governance to adapt to the changing landscape. The outcome of this discussion could significantly impact the future of craft cannabis in Crow Wing County, as the board considers the balance between regulation and support for emerging businesses.