Kandiyohi County Begins Crafting Ordinance to Regulate Cannabis Retailers

In an effort to proactively manage the cannabis industry at the local level, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, has started drafting an ordinance to regulate the retail sale and use of cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles. This move comes as the state works on finalising its regulations for adult-use cannabis, which remains a work in progress.

The draft ordinance was discussed in a recent 90-minute work session held by the Kandiyohi County Board. While state regulations are still in development, the county is taking the initiative to establish its own rules around cannabis sales, with a focus on registration, retailer operations, and public safety. The county’s approach aligns with the state’s statutory framework, while also addressing local concerns such as underage use and public consumption.

Key Themes in the Draft Ordinance

The ordinance, which was presented to the county commissioners at their regular meeting, covers several critical aspects of cannabis regulation. These include:

• Registration and Operations of Retailers: How cannabis businesses will be licensed and operate within the county.
• Fees and Denial of Registration: Structures for applying fees for business licenses and conditions under which registration may be denied.
• Compliance Checks: Regular reviews and checks to ensure cannabis retailers are following local and state regulations.
• Public Use Restrictions: Provisions for restricting cannabis consumption in public spaces to ensure public safety and community standards.

The ordinance was developed after discussions with several county departments, including Public Health, the Sheriff’s Office, Planning and Zoning, and the County Attorney’s Office. This cross-department collaboration ensures that all relevant local authorities have input into how cannabis will be handled in the community.

Focus on Underage Prevention

A central concern addressed by the ordinance is preventing underage individuals from accessing cannabis products. Chris Wenisch, an environmental health specialist with the county’s Public Health department, highlighted that the ordinance is designed to align with state regulations while adding additional safeguards to protect younger populations.

“This ordinance, it meets the requirements that the state puts forward for regulation, registration, and compliance checks,” Wenisch said. “Then it also protects underage people from purchasing these products in our county.”

Ensuring that cannabis is sold responsibly and legally is a key focus, with an emphasis on compliance checks and restrictions that will help keep cannabis out of the hands of minors. As cannabis businesses are likely to operate similarly to tobacco and alcohol vendors, local health and safety regulations will likely mirror those already in place for these industries.

Local Governance: A Balanced Approach

Kandiyohi County’s approach to cannabis regulation reflects a desire to strike a balance between following state law and addressing local community needs. Commissioner Roger Imdieke noted that while the legalization of cannabis is a divisive issue for many, it is important to treat cannabis as any other legalized product. “I think that we need to treat this in the same sort of fashion as what we would treat any other legalized product,” Imdieke said. “We can’t let personal feelings about the legalization of cannabis get in the way.”

This pragmatic approach signals that the county is ready to move forward with cannabis regulation in a responsible and neutral way, ensuring the county remains compliant with state laws while also addressing local concerns.

Ongoing Collaboration and Next Steps

As the draft ordinance takes shape, county officials are continuing to gather input and refine the regulations. The next major step will be holding a public hearing, where residents will be able to voice their opinions and provide feedback on the proposed regulations. This feedback will help shape the final version of the ordinance and ensure it reflects the community’s values and priorities.

Kandiyohi County’s proactive steps to create its own cannabis ordinance come amid a broader trend of local governments taking the reins in shaping cannabis policy. While the state works on its comprehensive cannabis framework, local jurisdictions like Kandiyohi are stepping up to ensure their communities are well-prepared for the potential arrival of cannabis businesses.