Albert Lea's cannabis destination is The Smoking Tree at 2718 Bridge Ave, open Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM. This is Minnesota's first state-licensed cannabis retail store -- a local landmark since legalization launched. The shop carries only locally grown Minnesota cannabis: flower, pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, and a full concentrate menu (shatter, wax, crumble, budder, live resin, and more). An ATM is on-site and cash or debit is accepted. Staff take a terpene-forward educational approach -- ask which strains are currently in season.

The city sits on I-35 just 8 miles from the Iowa state border, making The Smoking Tree the southernmost licensed dispensary on the I-35 corridor in Minnesota. This location serves both Freeborn County residents and a regional draw from surrounding communities including Emmons, Alden, Glenville, and rural townships throughout southern Minnesota who would otherwise drive an hour north to Owatonna or Mankato. Through-traffic on I-35 also stops here, particularly from travelers heading north from Iowa.

For any visitors coming from Iowa: adults 21+ from any state may purchase legally in Minnesota, but transporting cannabis across the Iowa state border is a federal crime and illegal under Iowa law regardless of quantity. Purchase only for use within Minnesota. Albert Lea follows Minnesota state cannabis regulations with no additional local restrictions.