Cannabis in Welch, Minnesota — Dispensaries, Laws & Resources

Island Pězi at 6030 Sturgeon Lake Rd is Welch's cannabis destination, operated by the Prairie Island Indian Community. The name means "grass" in the Dakota language - a fitting name for a tribal dispensary rooted in the Cannon River valley. Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily, Island Pězi has some of the widest hours of any dispensary in Minnesota, making it a practical stop for early risers heading out to the river or late-evening visitors wrapping up a day at Treasure Island Resort and Casino, located directly adjacent.

As a Prairie Island Indian Community tribal dispensary, Island Pězi does not charge Minnesota's 15% cannabis excise tax or 6.875% state sales tax, saving customers roughly 22% compared to state-licensed dispensaries. All purchases are made on the Prairie Island reservation under tribal sovereignty. The dispensary carries a full recreational menu: flower, edibles, vapes, pre-rolls, and concentrates for adults 21+.

Welch's position on Highway 61 in the Cannon River valley makes it one of the most scenic cannabis stops in Minnesota. The Great River Road corridor connecting the Twin Cities to Red Wing runs directly through Welch, and the Cannon River offers popular kayaking, tubing, and canoeing. Nearby Cannon Valley Wine Trail wineries and the Welch Village Ski Area create year-round destination traffic that flows past Island Pězi. From St. Paul, the drive takes about 45-50 minutes via U.S. Highway 61 - a straightforward southeast run through Cottage Grove and Hastings. From Red Wing, it is just 20 miles north on Highway 61.