Sartell Implements Temporary THC Moratorium, St. Cloud Working on Ordinance Framework

Originally published 11:32 a.m. July 26th, 2022

Updated 12:03 p.m. July 26th, 2022

(KNSI) — Sartell has joined a list of cities looking to regulate the sale of THC edibles.

Hemp-derived THC-laced foods and beverages became legal under Minnesota law on July 1st, but many cities said they weren’t prepared for it. The subject was the primary source of discussion at Monday’s City Council meeting, says Engagement Director Nikki Sweeter.

“Just trying to get the right process in place is really where our council’s head was at last night. They passed a moratorium that will end on December 31st of this year.”

There is no intention to make the measure permanent. Sweeter says the council will probably attempt restrictions that keep sales away from schools.

“Our council was very concerned about youth and purchasing locations being close to our schools. That was their biggest hang-up.”

No ordinances have yet been crafted by the St. Cloud City Council, but at their meeting, also held Monday night, Mayor Dave Kleis says the framework is being put together. “We’ve done some consulting with the League of Minnesota Cities, talked about what other cities are doing. And, we are looking at probably mirroring a little bit, maybe putting in a little different regulatory way, but the tobacco ordinance and things that we already have, regulate similar to what the legislature has done here. So we want to make sure that what we have is a couple of options for you, and then you can decide.”

Council member George Hontos asked Mayor Kleis whether the law allows municipalities to be more restrictive. Kleis says that there is no pre-emption attached to the state law. A pre-emption would mean that cities could not say what goes in their town, but the THC edibles law is similar to a tobacco or alcohol law, which allows municipalities to have the discretion for where the products are sold.

The issue will be in front of the St. Cloud City Council at its next meeting so a public hearing can be held, which is the next step as it would change the city ordinance.

Sweeter says Sartell officials want to see what St. Cloud proposes next month. They will then adapt that policy for the specifics of their city, intending to keep it as uniform as possible across the region.

St. Joseph has also enacted a moratorium. Waite Park says it is considering one. Elsewhere, Marshall, Robbinsdale, and Stillwater have implemented temporary bans.

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KNSI News Director Jennifer Lewerenz contributed to this story.

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