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If you have driven through or strolled the streets of downtown Taylors Falls recently you may have noticed a store sign that reads “The Bridge”.   The Bridge is the brainchild of Buck Duncan.  Duncan, who resides in rural Wisconsin, has been growing hemp on his farm for years and has recently been granted one of the first approvals by the State of Minnesota to open a dispensary.

Duncan and his family reside on the outskirts of Milltown Wisconsin.  In 2018 he was licensed to sell CBD. Cannibidiol is the non intoxicating compound in cannabis, which  he grew and ultimately sold product at Keg and Case in St. Paul and various farmers markets in the cities.  

Duncan  said he is licensed for 55 acres but will most likely stop when the new hemp regulations take effect. New rules on THC content in hemp were adopted by the U.S. government, to take effect December 11.

Due to those same restrictions in Wisconsin, Duncan saw an opportunity (from Wisconsin residents as well as Minnesota residents) to benefit from his Taylors Falls location.  Duncan pointed out that cannabis is illegal in Wisconsin and he assists customers in understanding the law.

Duncan has spent hundreds of hours learning the ins and outs of new state laws, statutes and limitations involved with opening and running a dispensary.  Duncan has a state micro grow license currently and a retail license which allows him to operate the store front.  He is supported by local growers who are licensed. Within the state microbial testing is very stringent on all levels including the growers. 

 Duncan said Minnesota is the only state requiring the testing which he sees as a great thing.  “We are getting the highest quality of product in the United States”.   

His grower supplier list is continually growing which Duncan says will hopefully correlate into lower prices to the consumer.  “My goal is to support local growers, local manufacturers in our area,” Duncan added.

Duncan had nothing but great things to say about the community and Taylors Falls government throughout the whole process.  Duncan has been attending council meetings for years and is a member of the Taylors Falls Economic Development Committee.  

“I am so excited about what this endeavor will bring to this community and hopefully drive more customers to surrounding businesses”.  That is where Duncan says the meaning of naming “The Bridge” came to be.  “I want to be the bridge that shares information about cannabis with the public and show them this is a legitimate, quality, legal product” Duncan said.

The Bridge offers over 13 varieties of pre-packaged cannabis flower, edibles, beverages and pre-rolled joints.  You will also find some interesting art for sale in the store.

Duncan invites all people age 21 and older to come visit his store.  Not only will you find a wide array of products that you know are of the highest standards, but you can learn anything you want to know about his cannabis operation.  

The Bridge is located in downtown Taylors Falls near the Bead Shop and the Goat Saloon.  Hours of operation are seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m.  Customers must present a state ID, driver license, tribal ID or passport to be inside under Minnesota law.

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