MN Cannabis Operations & How APX’s PEMB Solutions Support Growth

As Minnesota navigates the rollout of adult-use cannabis, cities and counties across the state are making big decisions, approving, adjusting, or restricting cannabis-related businesses in their communities. From cultivation to retail, local governments are shaping the future of cannabis operations. And for businesses looking to enter the industry, having a reliable construction partner is key.

At APX Construction Group, we specialize in helping cannabis operators bring their vision to life through Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs)—a scalable, durable, and cost-effective solution that sets you up for success from day one.

Let’s dive into the latest government updates and explore how APX can be your strategic partner in the green economy.

Minnesota’s Cannabis Operations: Where Local Governments Stand

Apple Valley Set to Deny Pot Business Proposal

The City of Apple Valley is expected to reject a proposal for a cannabis microbusiness due to zoning concerns and proximity to residential neighborhoods. Their decision underscores the importance of understanding city-specific ordinances before investing in infrastructure.

How APX Can Help:
Our team conducts pre-construction assessments of cannabis operations, helping you evaluate site compliance before you commit. We assist with zoning, building codes, and community outreach, so you’re never caught off guard.

Becker County May Empower Townships

Becker County is considering returning control of cannabis zoning to individual townships. While this may increase autonomy, it adds another layer of complexity for operators planning cultivation or processing facilities.

Why It Matters:
Flexibility in your building design is key. A PEMB from APX can adapt to local requirements and expand as regulations change. Whether you’re working with a county or a township, we’ll help you navigate the red tape.

Fairmont Approves First Cannabis Retailer

Fairmont just gave the green light to its first cannabis retail microbusiness. The unanimous decision signals a growing openness to regulated cannabis in Southern Minnesota.

What This Means for You:
Retail cannabis facilities need efficient layouts, security integration, and visual appeal. APX specializes in custom PEMB retail builds that meet state regulations without sacrificing brand experience.

Isanti City Council Approves First Marijuana Store

Isanti is moving forward with its first marijuana store, Northern Crown LLC, approved during a discussion on cannabis tax implications. The city is welcoming new businesses, but mindful of financial and operational concerns.

PEMB Advantage:
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings help reduce long-term costs, with faster construction times and energy-efficient systems. Whether retail or processing, APX designs buildings that protect your margins.

Sauk Rapids Approves Cultivation Facility

Sauk Rapids gave unanimous approval to Uncle Hippies Cannabis, a new commercial cultivation facility. The city placed clear conditions on air quality, odor control, and review timelines.

Why PEMBs Are Ideal for Cultivation:
Cultivation requires strict environmental controls—airflow, humidity, lighting, and security. PEMBs allow you to build to exact specs, integrate HVAC seamlessly, and meet Minnesota’s new cannabis compliance standards. APX understands the complex needs of grow operations and builds accordingly.

Winona Businesses Move Through Licensing Process

In Winona, cannabis businesses are actively pursuing licenses and could begin cultivation by the end of the year. The city has been cooperative, but careful, in helping businesses prepare.

Our Role:
At APX, we collaborate early, working with city planners, engineers, and architects to align your building design with evolving regulations. Our PEMB approach streamlines timelines, allowing you to break ground faster and get growing sooner.

Worthington Passes First Reading of Buffer Ordinance

Worthington is looking to implement a 1,000-foot buffer between cannabis businesses and sensitive areas like schools and parks, on top of the state’s 200-foot minimum.

The Flexibility You Need:
Buffer zones can impact where you build. PEMBs are portable and modifiable—perfect for adapting to changing lot sizes and property line restrictions. APX helps site and construct compliant buildings without compromising your layout or growth goals.

Why Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Are Perfect for Cannabis Operations

PEMBs offer a strong foundation for any cannabis business, whether retail, cultivation, manufacturing, or testing. Here’s why more cannabis entrepreneurs across Minnesota are choosing PEMB construction with APX:

✅ Speed to Market

Time is everything in cannabis. PEMBs drastically reduce construction time compared to traditional builds. That means faster ROI, earlier licensing inspections, and speed to retail or harvest.

✅ Customizable for Cannabis Use

From odor filtration systems and reinforced vaults to grow lighting and vertical farming, PEMBs are highly adaptable to your operational needs. APX builds them to fit:

• Indoor grow systems
• Climate control zones
• Secure storage rooms
• Employee breakrooms
• Retail showrooms

✅ Energy Efficiency

Growing indoors is energy-intensive. Our PEMBs use energy-efficient insulation and systems that help you save on utilities, especially in Minnesota’s extreme weather.

✅ Cost-Effective and Scalable

PEMBs are more affordable to erect and expand. Start small, then scale up your footprint as your business grows—without tearing down your existing structure.

✅ Durability & Compliance

Built to last with minimal maintenance, our PEMBs are designed to meet Minnesota’s building codes and cannabis industry regulations, making inspection day a breeze.

APX Construction Group: Your Cannabis Construction Partner

With offices in Mankato and Sioux Falls, APX Construction Group is positioned to support cannabis entrepreneurs across the Upper Midwest. Our team is well-versed in:

• Site selection and planning
• Permit acquisition
• Local zoning and community relations
• Cannabis compliance construction
• Modular and PEMB solutions

We’ve helped clients in agriculture, manufacturing, and advanced retail, so transitioning those skills to cannabis operations is seamless. We believe in building smarter, safer, and faster—helping you launch with confidence and clarity.

Stay Ahead with Local Cannabis News

As Minnesota’s cannabis economy takes root, staying informed is critical. Key trends to watch:

• More local control: Like Becker County, expect townships and cities to assert more say in cannabis zoning.
• Buffer zones evolving: Municipalities like Worthington are adding additional protections.
• Retail licenses increasing: Cities like Fairmont and Isanti are paving the way for more retail locations statewide.
• Supply chain buildout: Cultivation approvals in Sauk Rapids and Winona show the supply side is gaining momentum.

Final Thoughts: Build With a Partner Who Understands Cannabis

Launching a cannabis business in Minnesota comes with opportunity and risk. Local governments are actively shaping the rules. That means your construction plan has to be flexible, compliant, and ready to scale.

At APX Construction Group, we specialize in solutions for the cannabis industry, from PEMB grow facilities to retail storefronts and secure warehouses. With a proven track record, strategic planning services, and a deep understanding of local markets, we’re here to help your cannabis operation grow, literally and figuratively.

Let’s build something bold.
Visit apxconstructiongroup.com or contact us to schedule a cannabis construction consultation today.