Transport bottleneck has budding Minnesota cannabis dispensaries stuck in first gear

OG article by Brian Arola

December 3, 2025

Two years after Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis, a severe transportation bottleneck is causing supply shortages for dispensaries in Greater Minnesota, particularly affecting independent businesses. Angel Bursch of Loonatixz Genetixz, with sites just 20 minutes apart, cannot move cannabis or clones due to limited licensed transporters—only three issued as of late November, with about 30 preliminary approvals. She faces obstacles: no available transporters or high costs for her own license, requiring $300,000 cargo insurance and $1 million liability, disproportionate to her $25,000 per harvest. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) temporarily eased rules for 90 days, allowing transport to testing facilities (three in state: two in St. Paul, one in Waseca), but not directly to dispensaries. Voyager Cannabis Co. in Mankato, opened Halloween, offers limited strains from White Earth Nation like Lemon OG Haze (sativa), High Society (indica), and Blu Wabooz (hybrid), planning own grow for full menu including pre-rolls and THC carts. Staffer Ryan Rutjes notes reliance on market supply. Justin DeMarais of MN Grass Hero in Rice, licensed mid-November, has no cannabis, only low-dose hemp, fielding daily inquiries; he considered transport license but found restrictions limiting to same-owner sites. DeMarais, motivated by cannabis aiding his Crohn’s disease (reducing symptoms like weight loss and vomiting, costing $300-400/month pre-legalization), rents space at $5,000/month with no revenue, projecting March for flowers. Many plan branded products to differentiate like microbreweries, but shortages hinder footholds; Bursch expects January-February/March for her harvest products, opened post-Thanksgiving for low-dose items to stay afloat. DeMarais warns only big players may survive, urging alleviation for small businesses.