Cannababe Do It? Is That Even A Question? Minnesota’s Babes Already Are

More often than not, those who are queer, women and neurodivergent are questioned on their abilities because of their differences. Being misunderstood isn’t a choice; it’s a reality many of us face. Cannababe MN is showing the possible in the impossible by being Minnesota’s very first queer, neurodivergent, woman-owned dispensary.

Cannababe MN is a space that welcomes all through events, social gatherings and genuine fellowship. Lucie Bradt, creator, founder and CEO of Cannababe MN, is the “greenprint” of this renaissance that evolved into a movement born from a desire to build a connection with others.

Cannababe MN describes itself as “an inclusive, neuro-divergent, queer, and womxn-friendly space,” with an initial focus on shaping experiences as a small boutique and hemp dispensary in Minneapolis’ Longfellow neighborhood in 2024.

“My desire was to create a space that blended creativity, cannabis and community where people could shop curated stoner accessories and hemp-derived edibles while gathering in a safe, inclusive environment for women and queer individuals,” Bradt says.

In the spring of 2024, Bradt brought on Elle LaMere as a business partner and social media manager. This helped Cannababe MN grow into a movement that encouraged collaboration with others, allowing the brand to thrive in the event world.

The demand for Cannababe MN led them to begin hosting monthly gatherings that people looked forward to and eventually evolved to open houses that provided free crafts, puff and paints, queer dance parties, sound baths and junk journaling at open house events.

“Nearly 2,000 babes have attended one or more Cannababe events!” LaMere says.

You may be wondering if you read “puff and paint events” correctly. Let’s shift for a moment to bring some data and facts about cannabis in Minnesota to cultivate a better understanding. In 2014, the Minnesota legislature passed a law to legalize medicinal cannabis under certain medical conditions and ailments, and in 2023, Minnesota House File 100 legalized recreational cannabis use.

Many people may not realize that cannabis also helps with menstrual discomfort due to the ability of the cannabinoids in CBD and THC to connect with the body’s endocannabinoid system to ease pain signals. There are also topicals, edibles and low-dose options that can be easier on the body than over-the-counter pain medications.

Bradt and LaMere say that cannabis can also help people who have issues with sleep and stress regulation.

Rest assured, Cannababe MN strives to not only build community but to be educational leaders on the benefits of cannabis while boldly challenging the misconceptions that surround it.

“In high school, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and in my mid-20s, I learned that I had autism. So together this is defined as AUHD,” Bradt says.

Bradt embraced her pillar of creativity as a source of strength through the support of cannabis as a tool for managing overstimulation, anxiety and chronic pain; common challenges for many neurodivergent individuals. Cannababe MN is the birth of something new. Something necessarily different, as the cannabis industry is primarily cis male-centric — an environment that aims to share the space through diversity on all spectrums of differences.

“I felt like it was difficult to find work that felt sustainable and didn’t lead to burnout. The traditional work environment didn’t really work for me & others like me,” Bradt says. “Cannababe inspired us to create a space that people felt welcomed from all walks of life and were able to freely express themselves, connect and enjoy cannabis without judgment.”

The vision for Cannababe MN’s dispensary and boutique is to be an all-in-one stop. Visitors and customers can explore cannabis, plant medicine and stoner accessories that are curated by their guiding principles of “funky, eclectic, joy-sparking or unapologetically pink,” LaMere says.

“We want a playful aesthetic that is a deliberate appeal to inner-child healing,” LaMere adds.

If you are interested in a new spot, or you’re new to the experience of cannabis, Cannababe MN suggests starting with comfort and safety. Recruit a close friend you trust in a familiar space. Bradt and LaMere highlighted leafly.com as a resource to learn more about different strains and other people’s experiences.

Cannababe MN’s goal for the future is to have storefronts in several major U.S. cities established as a nationally recognized name that forges inclusivity, creativity and recreates the narrative around cannabis.

To follow Cannababe MN’s story and their continued success, visit their social handle and website listed below!

Instagram @cannababe_mn
cannababemn.com