MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jesse Ventura, the former governor of Minnesota, has revealed his intention to enter the cannabis market as a vendor, as the state is still working out the details of selling the drug after legalizing marijuana for adults last year.
Ventura is introducing his own line of cannabis-infused treats in collaboration with Retro Bakery, a company located in suburban Minneapolis that produces hemp-based THC treats under the brand Jesse Ventura Farms, as reported by Minnesota Public Radio.
“Ventura Farms is my entry into the cannabis industry,” Ventura stated in a video on Wednesday while rock music played in the background.
He also said, “I’m a strong advocate of the cannabis industry. Cannabis saved my family’s life. And now it’s time for me to return to the cannabis world. And you can join me — Jesse Ventura and Ventura Farms — any time you want. We’re in the game.”
Ventura has explained that the drug assisted his wife in controlling her seizures, as stated by MPR. Retro Bakery mentioned that the Ventura-branded treats will be open for pre-order on April 1, according to MPR.
A former professional wrestler and actor, Ventura astonished the public when he won the race for Minnesota governor as an independent candidate in 1998. He held the governor's position from 1999 to 2003.
Ventura was among the earliest governors in the U.S. to openly endorse marijuana legalization.
Last year, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis for adults.
This month, the state’s top cannabis regulator stated that Minnesota likely won’t achieve its objective of starting full-scale retail cannabis sales in the first quarter of 2025 due to the time required to create regulations and grant licenses.
Using, having, and cultivating marijuana for personal use, within certain limits, became legal last August. However, sales remain a legally uncertain area.
Currently, only a few shops owned by tribes on reservations are legally permitted to sell recreational marijuana in Minnesota because their tribal sovereignty exempts them from state regulation.
