After years of waiting, Twin Cities residents can now buy recreational cannabis in the metro area. 

RISE Dispensaries opened seven stores Wednesday, including in Brooklyn Park, New Hope and Eagan. Recreational cannabis was legalized more than two years ago in Minnesota, but before Wednesday, RISE only sold medical marijuana.

The Office of Cannabis Management in Minneapolis on Monday issued licenses to RISE and another medical cannabis provider, Green Goods.

"What a relief. You know, long time coming. It's been a couple of years since the law changed and we're ready for day one," said Ben Kovler, CEO of Green Thumb Industries, which operates RISE. "Very exciting, team's prepared and really good vibe inside."

Ribbon cuttings marked the occasion at RISE Dispensaries in cities like Brooklyn Park and Eagan.

"I think we've seen 100 people here in the first hour," said Kovler.

Gary Clum came to the Eagan location from Minneapolis.

"I'm a little disappointed that it took so long. I don't know why it would have, but I'm glad that it's starting to happen now," said Clum.

Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries operates more than 100 RISE Dispensaries across the country. All their product at their Minnesota locations is grown in state. In fact, they've been growing medical cannabis in Cottage Grove since 2021, Kovler said.

"We have enough to meet demand at all the stores and that's great, but we think over time, the state and all the microbusinesses are going to want more product," said Kovler.

On Tuesday, the first recreational marijuana dispensary not owned by a tribe opened for business in downtown Duluth.