The City of Albert Lea approved its first two cannabis dispensaries in a majority vote on Monday evening. It comes two weeks after the council drew statewide attention for rejecting a licensed cannabis business owner in apparent defiance of state law.

The city council granted registrations to Christopher Gracia, who owns Matchbox Farms at 2316 Hendrickson Road, and Cristina Aranguiz, who owns Black Husky at 2706 Ekko Ave. Gracia’s business was approved by a 6-1 vote and Aranguiz’s business by a 5-2 vote.

Gracia and Aranguiz are among the first 10 people in the state to complete the Office of Cannabis Management’s licensing process to sell recreational cannabis. All 10 are licensed as microbusinesses, meaning they can grow cannabis and operate a single retail location. • From June249 bu

See Full Page