Planning commission approves GWC Minnesota interim cannabis permit with conditions limiting retail and directing deliveries

The commission voted to approve an interim use permit for GWC Minnesota (Great White Companies) to operate a mezzo cannabis cultivation, processing and wholesale facility on a commercially zoned parcel in Mission Township. Staff described the county’s limited jurisdiction—Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management regulates odor, pesticides and plant disposal—while county conditions focus on stormwater, wastewater handling and access.

Bill Parker, GWC’s president, and Buck McAlpin, board chair, told commissioners they had finished a water‑management plan and stressed odor‑mitigation measures, carbon filtration and sealed facilities. Commissioners pressed whether retail would be allowed; staff said the county cap on retail cannabis licenses had been reached and retail on that site was not permitted. Commissioners added a condition directing deliveries to the County Road 11 entrance to address Highway Department concerns about access and the nearby roundabout. The permit was approved with eight conditions and standard findings; the approval is contingent on GWC securing and maintaining the required state license.

Why it matters: The permit allows a sizeable cannabis cultivation and processing operation in Crow Wing County that proponents say will create jobs, but the county’s conditions limit retail sales and route deliveries to reduce impacts on a nearby roundabout and local traffic.

What's next: The company must obtain any required land‑use permits, meet stormwater requirements, install separate holding for irrigation wastewater, and maintain compliance with state cannabis licensing to keep the county permit in force.