Local Governments Hoping for a Voice in Legal Marijuana Plan

(KNSI) — Adult use of recreational marijuana is one step closer to becoming legal in Minnesota after the House passed it Tuesday. The Senate is expected to do the same on Friday, but those advocating for local governments hope a final version addresses the needs of municipal leaders, especially in rural areas.

Alex Hassel, with the League of Minnesota Cities, says they don’t have a stance on legalization but have been closely following the debate. They’re seeking provisions that don’t take away from the bill’s intent but rather give local governments reasonable control for a successful rollout.

“Through our requests for more zoning authority, for revenue sharing – all we’re asking is that we’re going to be partners as local governments with the state.”

The revenue sharing could be a boon for local governments and rural communities to gather more resources for dispensary compliance checks, but Hassel adds it could get messy for those types of businesses, city councils, and town boards, however, to figure out where a licensed seller could set up shop. “You can imagine in some of our smaller communities; our school might be close to Main Street downtown – which is really the one central hub for where things might be. And if the adult-use cannabis retailer is maybe the first in line after the school – how that could be maybe not desired.”

Some cities introduced moratoriums on new cannabis businesses and mandates on where they can and can’t be located after hemp-derived THC gummies became legal in Minnesota last summer. Cities likely already have zoning requirements for liquor stores or adult bookshops, so she says creating a regulation for a marijuana seller shouldn’t be that different.

The House and Senate versions of the bills would have to be merged before they’re sent to Governor Tim Walz’s desk. Walz says he would sign the bill. If it became law, it would go into effect on July 1st.

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MNC Reporter Mike Moen contributed to this story.

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