Meskwaki Organix Store Opens

This week, Meskwaki Inc., the economic development arm of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, will be opening the Meskwaki Organix Store, located inside the Meskwaki Travel Plaza. The store will be selling CBD products and will give the local community an opportunity to learn more about the potential positive impacts of cannabinoids. The store project has moved forward with the help and enthusiasm of Meskwaki Inc. staff, despite delays from the Covid-19 pandemic and derecho storm which hit the region in August.

The Meskwaki Organix Store is the first tribally-owned CBD dispensary located on tribal land in the state of Iowa. While the Meskwaki Nation has their sights set on developing a hemp economy that they would control from seed to shelf, the easiest point in the industry to break into is retail and wholesale. The Meskwaki Organix Store will also play a role in market research and product development to determine what CBD products are preferred by customers.

Products will also be marketed through the tribe’s wholesale division, Big River Trading Company. Product Specialist Vincent Lasley shared, “We have a unique opportunity here in Iowa to destigmatize hemp plant uses, and to hopefully assist our customers to know how to use the plant in its various forms. Our staff is excited to share their knowledge with patrons.”

Many people have turned to CBD products as an alternative to assist with pain management and other health issues. All of the products in the store are from industrial hemp, which contain less than .3% Delta-9 THC and have no psychoactive impacts on the body.  Industrial hemp was approved through the U.S. 2014 and 2018 farm bills. Many farmers and businesses across Iowa are excited to see how the CBD market will grow.

Meskwaki Organix Manager Darrell Hill stated that he is incredibly excited for the opportunity to be a part of this venture, adding “We can’t wait to be a part of the hemp journey and expand access and education to customers.”

The Meskwaki Organix Store will be opening on Friday, November 13th to the public, and will be open seven days a week from 11am-6pm.