A historic grain elevator in rural Baker, Minnesota, is facing opposition from residents as plans move forward to convert the agricultural landmark into a cannabis dispensary.
The grain elevator, currently listed as an Airbnb, has received preliminary approval from county commissioners to operate as a marijuana business. However, the proposal must still clear variance requirements for lot size and setback regulations before moving forward.
Tanner Cook, whose family has anchored down in Baker since 1883, expressed strong concerns about the proposed dispensary.
“If you’ve ever been to Baker and took a look around, it’s not meant for a marijuana dispensary,” Cook said. “People leave the city to get away from that sort of thing, they don’t want it out there.”
Cook’s opposition stems from safety and security worries for his growing family. “I have a kid on the way, I don’t want to have to expose him to that in their local town,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the business model, which reportedly includes plans for an on-site consumption lounge.
“He’s talking about wanting to make it a lounge of sorts, where people can essentially get high in this place and then presumably get into their vehicles and drive away,” Cook said.
Baker is classified as an unincorporated community with a population of about 45 residents and deep agricultural roots. The irony of a cannabis “growing operation” in a farming community has not been lost on residents, like Cook.
“That elevator is a landmark for agriculture, it shouldn’t be used for that purpose,” he added.
Cook has formally submitted a letter to Clay County commissioners outlining his objections to the proposal. During an October 14 commission meeting, the letter was not read, but was acknowledged that committee members had received it.
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