Cannabis cultivation facility construction
Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV) has begun the construction on its first full-scale cannabis cultivation facility spanning 50,000 square feet. Situated directly behind Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, Minnesota, the entire cannabis operation – from seed to sale – will be managed by MLCV. The facility is set to be completed in the fall of 2024.
The introduction of this cultivation line of business underscores MLCV’s dedication to expanding its economic portfolio and establishing additional revenue sources beyond gaming. Profits generated from this endeavor will be reinvested into the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to support essential government programs and services for its members. Furthermore, it presents a new avenue for job creation within the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy.
Joe Nayquonabe, the Mille Lacs Band’s Commissioner of Corporate Affairs and MLCV’s CEO, said, “With more states and tribes getting into cannabis, it was crucial for us to establish our presence as well. We leaned on our tribal community to provide insight into this opportunity, paving a clear path into this venture.”
The Mille Lacs Band Department of Cannabis Regulation, an independent entity being formed by the Mille Lacs Band, will enforce rigorous oversight over the cultivation, production, and distribution processes. This department will be responsible for granting cannabis licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and testing activities within the Mille Lacs Band’s sovereign territory.
In addition, the Mille Lacs Band has implemented comprehensive cannabis ordinance and regulations, aligning governance standards closely with those outlined in Minnesota State cannabis laws.
Zach Atherton-Ely, MLCV’s VP of Strategic Growth, reinforced, “These regulations include comparable age restrictions, purchase limitations, Associate licensure mandates, and guarantees of product safety and quality. We prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our customers and community by implementing rigorous standards, ensuring quality and trust in all our operations.”
For now, MLCV will stick to the growing and manufacturing side of the cannabis industry. They are actively exploring adding retail options in the future. Smoking cannabis will remain prohibited at its Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley operations, including its gaming floors, hotels, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
Nayquonabe continued, “We’re excited about this new venture and the opportunity to generate additional employment in the region. With our experience in other regulated sectors, we’re confident that we can establish a benchmark for a safe, regulated, and thriving cannabis business on the Mille Lacs Band reservation.”