Albert Lea Approves Two Cannabis Dispensaries, Denies Smoking Tree License

The Albert Lea City Council has denied the cannabis microbusiness license application from The Smoking Tree for a second time, citing concerns including violations of probation and legal issues involving its owner, Jacob Schlichter. Despite this, the council approved licenses for two other cannabis microbusinesses: Matchbox Farms MN, operated by Chris Gracia Sr. and Jr., and Black Husky, operated by Cristina Aranguiz. The approved businesses volunteered background checks that revealed no issues, and they plan to comply fully with Minnesota law and city ordinances. Matchbox Farms intends to open by October 1 and has engaged with Minnesota tribes for product sourcing, with plans to eventually cultivate their own cannabis. The council's decisions reflect ongoing tensions about local control over cannabis businesses amid state regulations, with some members acknowledging potential legal risks and repercussions from the state. Overall, the council sought to balance regulatory compliance and community concerns in its approvals and denials.