Just two weeks after rejecting a license application for cannabis microbusiness the Smoking Tree, the Albert Lea City Council stood by its earlier decision.
The council on Monday voted to deny the license again. However, the council approved two other cannabis microbusinesses in the city: Matchbox Farms MN’s Matchbox Dispensary, operated by father-and-son duo Chris Gracia Sr. and Chris Gracia Jr., and Black Husky, operated by Cristina Aranguiz. The business owners volunteered background checks that revealed no issues, Albert Lea City Manager Ian Rigg said.
Nearly every seat was filled on Monday night — including extra chairs brought in for audience members. A handful of community members spoke against allowing cannabis dispensaries in Albert Lea, while a few spoke in favor, including Matchbox Farms owner Gracia Sr. A representative for Aranguiz made a similar request.
“People have different opinions, and we respect that,” Gracia Sr. said. “Our goal is not to change anyone’s beliefs but to operate in full compliance with Minnesota law and every ordinance the city puts in place.”
The council voted 6–1 to approve registering Matchbox Farms, with Albert Lea Mayor Rich Murray voting no. It also approved Black Husky 5–2, with Murray and Council Member Keith Van Beek voting against.
The OCM previously accused Aranguiz of being “the face of a scheme to use hundreds of straw applicants to gain unfair advantage” in a social equity license lottery that was canceled in November. She subsequently sued the OCM, challenging the denial of her application. However, in late July, a three-judge panel of the Minnesota Court of Appeals dismissed the case.
Chris Gracia Sr., 54, and Chris Gracia Jr., 29, hope to open their dispensary by Oct. 1. They have met with Minnesota tribes to source product but plan to eventually grow their own cannabis. The council vote was the last piece of the puzzle for Matchbox.