Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Lorraine.
Hi Sofia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After teaching Yoga for over a decade, I stepped away from the traditional studio model. I felt disconnected and inauthentic. I needed to return to my own practice in my own body, focusing on what aspects of the practice were important to me. After stepping away, I realized that I loved incorporating cannabis into my mindfulness practice. After smoking, I moved in instinctual, organic ways that didn’t look like traditional Yoga. I found that the effects of cannabis consumption lended themselves well to inner study.
After enjoying this new found freedom within my practice, I wanted to share it with others. In November 2019, long time friend and co-founder Carrie Claypatch and I hosted the first THC Yoga in my apartment. From the very first gathering, guests could consult with Carrie on different products and strains to find their right match. The sessions grew by word of mouth.
Weekly pop-up Yoga and bud bar sessions followed in backyards and basements until my growing family slowed the pace. But when Minnesota opened applications for recreational cannabis licenses, we applied. We received preliminary approval for a Cannabis Microbusiness license in May 2025.
Exactly one year later Really Dope dispensary celebrated it’s Grand Opening on May 30, 2026.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“Smooth road” is a funny metaphor, because the road outside of our shop closed down the week after our grand opening! It has been extremely challenging to operate a brand new business when we are surrounded by detours and no longer have constant traffic driving by.
Aside from that immediate inconvenience, entering the Minnesota cannabis market in an ever-changing industry has come with many challenges.
Some major obstacles include the looming federal hemp ban, the rescheduling of cannabis (which may only include medical cannabis), the still very strong stigma surrounding cannabis use, and misinformation campaigns funded by Big Pharma and Big Alcohol. It is also incredibly devastating to see the amount of prisoners that are still sitting behind bars despite holding non-violent cannabis charges while more and more states legalize adult-recreational use.
On a personal note, as a woman in a male-dominated industry, I have faced constant questioning and lack of basic respect. When I went to sign my lease my landlord asked, “are you sure you want to start this business?” It was difficult to lead a dispensary build-out and be ghosted or disregarded by contractors. And I’ve had to shout at the top of my lungs to be taken seriously by some distributors.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are setting ourselves apart in the Minnesota cannabis industry by focusing on community and education. We are known for our friendly customer service, our warm and welcoming shop and for our knowledgable staff. I am incredibly proud of the team that we’ve created.
What’s next?
We are currently waiting to receive our on-site consumption endorsement from the Office of Cannabis Management. Once we have this endorsement we will launch our educational programming. We look forward to continuing to offer the infused movement classes that our brand was founded on. We will also host educational workshops on topics such as: the difference between hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and full-spectrum cannabis.
We are excited to be exploring what it means to merge holistic wellbeing, intentional movement, and plant-based ritual.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.really-dope.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/really.dope.mn/
Image Credits
Maeve Gimpl
