Bois Forte Band of Chippewa explains what’s next after signing cannabis compact with Minnesota

Shane Drift

(boisforte.com)

DULUTH, Min. & NETT LAKE, Min. – The day after making it official and signing a Tribal-State cannabis compact with Minnesota, we’re learning more about what is next for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and cannabis.

The agreement signed on December 30, 2025 provides a blueprint for a shared goal of safeguarding the health of Minnesotans regarding adult-use cannabis while securing sovereignty and preserving self-sufficiency for the Bois Forte Band.

Shane Drift,  District 1 Representative for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, says they are looking at starting a growing or cultivation faculty.

Drift explains it will be a tribal decision, “We still have to present it to our band members for their input. And that’s something that, I’m very proud of, what Bois Forte is doing is including our band members having input in our future, and it gives the band members a voice.”

The compact as signed focuses exclusively for on-reservation actives. The tribe will now work with the state for activities off the reservation specifically taxation of off-reservation activities.  Drift says that part is still in the process of negotiations.  Drift say, “We take the rules and regulations very seriously, and the safety of our products and the safety of our to our customers and all that is of utmost importance to the band. And a lot of our rules and policies mirror the state of Minnesota’s [Office of Cannabis Management} policies.”

The tribe currently has one dispensary near Vermillion that Drift says is “doing fairly well” but there is no immediate plan to expand it or open another dispensary.

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Drift says the deal is a great move for both the Band and the state, “The the cannabis compact gives Bois Forte great opportunity for economic growth, creating more jobs and to strengthen not only our economy, but also the state of Minnesota’s economy, and shaping a better and brighter future for Bois Forte and Minnesota as well.”

Bois Forte Band Of Chippewa Seal

There are three offices in tribal leadership coming-up for election in June 2026.  He says the people winning those elections will have a big voice on what is next for the tribe’s cannabis businesses.

He add that money from cannabis sales helps the tribe’s programs including education, “I’m hoping that they’ll continue to do what it’s what it’s intended to do – to supplement our programs.”