Rooted in Regeneration
by Ben Halley, Honest Cannabis
In the fertile heart of Minnesota, the Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC) is cultivating more than cannabis. Following the state’s historic legalization of adult-use cannabis on August 1, 2023, PIIC opened its first dispensary in Welch, Minnesota, on June 22, 2024.
With cultivation efforts beginning earlier that spring and the inaugural harvest completed in the fall, the tribe’s focus has quickly moved beyond commerce. It has shifted to healing the land, honoring traditional relationships with nature, and creating a sustainable model for cannabis cultivation grounded in regenerative principles.
The tribe’s cultivation operation stands out not just for what it chooses to grow but also for how and why it is grown. Its outdoor cultivation site in Ravenna Township, near land long used for conventional farming, bears the scars of generations of soil depletion and ecological imbalance. Once stripped of its topsoil and vitality, this land is now part of a larger effort to restore and revitalize the environment through careful stewardship and science-based regenerative practices.
Regenerative farming is about giving back more to the earth than what is taken. Practices such as cover cropping, minimizing soil disturbance, and fostering beneficial insect populations all contribute to a closed-loop system that restores fertility, improves water retention, and supports long-term sustainability.
Restoring the Land, Reviving the Soil
Before PIIC’s outdoor cannabis crop cultivation could begin, vast quantities of damaged topsoil were removed and replaced with clean, nutrient-ready fill. That new base was tilled with biochar and wild rice hulls, which were chosen for their ability to improve soil structure, hold moisture, and support microbial life. This rebuilt foundation was then seeded with companion plants such as clover, kale, and oats that naturally support soil health, deter pests, and encourage biodiversity.
This approach is rooted in the Prairie Island Indian Community’s longstanding commitment to land stewardship. The tribe’s broader prairie restoration initiatives, which focus on reintroducing native species and healing disrupted ecosystems, helped shape the philosophy behind this cannabis project. The same values of reciprocity and renewal guide every cultivation decision, from seed selection to harvest techniques.
PIIC’s indoor cultivation follows the same logic. Instead of sterile substrates or synthetic inputs, plants are grown in living soil, a biologically rich medium filled with beneficial microbes, locally sourced compost, and organic nutrients. This soil feeds the plants and forms part of a circular system that supports healthier and more resilient crops over time.
Regenerative Farming in Action
The cultivation team’s methods go well beyond the definition of “organic.”
Rather than relying on synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, cultivation efforts focus on promoting natural pest balance through ecological diversity. Companion planting, insectary rows, and organic controls form a resilient system where cannabis can thrive in sync with its environment.
The Role of Sunlight and Terpenes
A significant portion of the crop is grown under the sun, which not only conserves energy but also enhances the plant’s full-spectrum expression. Cannabis cultivated under natural light often develops more robust cannabinoid and terpene profiles. These two factors play a key role in both the sensory experience and the therapeutic effects of the plant.
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the scent and flavor of cannabis. They also interact with cannabinoids to create what scientists refer to as the “entourage effect.” This synergy enhances the plant’s potential for supporting well-being, from mood elevation to sleep support and anti-inflammatory properties. Cultivation methods that support rich terpene development, such as diverse soil life, natural sunlight, and the presence of companion plants, result in cannabis that is not only more flavorful but also more functional.
Instead of relying on outdated labels such as indica or sativa, the cultivation team is working to educate consumers about terpene profiles and their individual effects. For example, limonene is associated with elevated mood, linalool may aid relaxation, and beta-caryophyllene is known for its anti-inflammatory potential. These nuances help consumers make more informed choices and connect with cannabis in a deeper and more intentional way.
“This isn’t about producing the most in the shortest amount of time,” said Kim Campbell, tribal member and cannabis business board member. “It’s about doing it in a way that reflects who we are, our respect for the land, our values, and our vision for the future.”
A Sovereign and Sustainable Future
Prairie Island’s expansion into cannabis cultivation is part of a broader vision for economic sovereignty and community wellness. By building a vertically integrated cannabis program, from cultivation to retail, the tribe ensures that every part of the process is aligned with its values. Revenue generated through the program can be reinvested into education, healthcare, cultural initiatives, and land stewardship projects.
The tribe’s partnership with Honest Cannabis and the Minnesota River Holdings team underscores this commitment. Every step, from infrastructure to compliance to terpene testing, has been designed with long-term sustainability and sovereignty in mind.
As other Minnesota tribes and farmers explore their roles in the emerging cannabis landscape, Prairie Island offers a compelling example of what a values-driven, regenerative approach can achieve. In the end, this effort is not just about cultivating cannabis. It is about restoring balance to the land, people, and the future.
