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FOREST LAKE, Minn. — The first cannabis dispensary in Forest Lake is expected to open in mid-April — and it’s owned by the city’s mayor.
Mayor Blake Roberts, a third-generation small business owner, is opening Greenhouse Cannabis Company at 508 Lake St. S. in Forest Lake. The dispensary will sit next to the family’s longtime business, Lakes Floral, a greenhouse, floral and gift shop that has served the community for nearly a century.
“We have fresh cut flowers, events, full garden center, seasonal garden center, and gift shop,” Roberts said.
Roberts said rising costs for small businesses led him to look for ways to diversify.
“The challenge is already here with the cost of everything going up,” he said. “This is going to allow us to diversify a little more.”
The new cannabis store will operate in a separate space from the greenhouse and retail shop and will have its own entrance. Customers must be 21 or older to enter the dispensary.
Employee Carol Eakin said the change reflects the business’s ability to evolve after decades in the community.
“You don’t stay in business for 96 years because we don’t know how to adapt,” she said.
She said the store could offer a comfortable place for people who may be new to cannabis products.
“Some of these head shops that people go to — I don’t want my grandma going down to the shop down here,” Eakin said. “She’s 94 and takes gummies for arthritis. A place like this is much easier for her to walk into and ask questions.”
The dispensary will not grow its own cannabis but plans to partner with Minnesota tribal nations to supply products.
Roberts said he was first approached about opening a cannabis business in March of last year, and the city approved the project in July.
Because he serves as mayor, Roberts said he stepped back from the city’s licensing process to avoid conflicts of interest.
“I removed myself from all votes, chamber discussion and just wanted to make sure everyone realized it was above board,” Roberts said. “I’m happy to bring this product to Forest Lake.”
Forest Lake’s cannabis ordinance includes location restrictions similar to the city’s rules for alcohol and tobacco retailers. Cannabis businesses must be at least 500 feet from another cannabis retailer and 500 feet from schools, commercial daycares or residential treatment facilities.
They must also be at least 500 feet from attractions in public parks regularly used by minors, including playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic areas, park buildings and restrooms.
While Roberts is expanding the family business, he said he has no plans to expand his political career.
“That I’ll never do,” Roberts said of running for higher office. “This is as high as I want to go.”
The dispensary is expected to open in mid-April, becoming the first cannabis retail shop in Forest Lake and the newest addition to a family business that has been growing in the community for generations.