Meet the Women Behind Minnesota's First Municipal Dispensary

by Megan Thielke

On a chilly January afternoon, I pull into the parking lot of the newly completed Anoka Cannabis Company, the cold winter sun gleaming off its front windows. From the outside, the new building looks both modern and rooted in place, much like the community it serves. Inside, though, a different kind of warmth: a hum of curiosity, conversation, and the unmistakable feeling that something long-awaited is finally taking shape.

Anoka is no stranger to history-making endeavors. In 1937, the city became one of the first in the nation to begin municipal liquor sales, a tradition that has carried on for nearly 90 years. Now, Anoka is applying that same model to cannabis sales, opening the first municipal dispensary in the state and, more importantly, helping shape the conversation around cannabis use, all while returning every dollar of profit back to the community.

“I used to stand outside the system advocating for change,” Stephanie Rietz, Dispensary Manager, said with a grin. “Now, I’m inside the system helping make it responsible, accessible, and focused on the community. That shift matters. I feel so honored to be at the forefront of change for Minnesota and the country.”

Rietz brings years of experience from the Colorado cannabis market, as well as a lifelong passion for cannabis advocacy.

Her cannabis counterpart and Dispensary Co-Manager, Jamie Croyle, has a similar story, being an integral part of the cannabis industry in Anoka and the state. Her work with multiple cannabis organizations and city and state government officials helped pave the way for legalization in Minnesota. Together, Stephanie and Jamie create the female powerhouse bringing this new era of cannabis to life. “I’ve always felt a responsibility to make sure cannabis in Minnesota grows the right way,” Croyle reflected. “We owe it to our community, and to every dispensary in Minnesota, to lead with education, open conversation, and collaboration. When we all learn together, we all grow together.”

That sense of responsibility extends to the land itself, which is the traditional homeland of the Wahpekute people. You’ll find large planters lining the sidewalk, designed for native grasses and plants for local pollinators. On the roof, solar panels provide nearly 90% of the building’s power, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Inside, the customer experience emphasizes reduced waste and thoughtful sourcing, with 50% of products sourced from socially equitable cultivators. “I’ve never seen a dispensary designed quite like this; it really is one of a kind,” Stephanie exclaimed.

While these features may not be noticed by every customer walking through their doors, one feature will be — their commitment to education. Customers can ask questions comfortably, learn about responsible use, and understand the plant through a wellness lens. “We know that many members of the community may be new to cannabis or may not know the science behind the plant,” Croyle said. “That’s why we’ve created a space where curiosity is welcomed and no question is too small.” The duo hosted multiple Community Cannabis Conversation events prior to opening, starting the conversation before even having the walls to do so.

What began as a story shaped by prohibition is evolving into the story about possibility — one rooted in connection, education, and shared growth. Anoka Cannabis Company reflects not just where the city has been, but where it is going: toward a future where cannabis is understood, accessible, and woven into the community with respect. A future built on the belief that when we grow together, we all thrive.

Anoka Cannabis Company is located at 839 East River Road in Anoka, Minnesota.