Benton County Bans Recreational Marijuana Use in Public Places

(KNSI) – Following a public hearing on Tuesday, the Benton County Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance barring cannabis use in townships or county-owned property. The rule encompassed not only cannabis flower but also lower-potency hemp edibles and hemp-derived THC consumer products.

Benton County Administrator Montgomery Headley spoke with KNSI News moments after the vote and explained where it would apply. “So, for example, public parks, places of public accommodation in unincorporated areas. So, essentially areas outside of our cities.”

That would include prohibiting marijuana use in businesses outside city limits. Headley made it clear that the county board wasn’t attempting to enforce its will upon cities within its border. “Our board basically said to our cities, you certainly can adopt whatever ordinances you choose to or not adopt any ordinance whatsoever.”

Only three individuals had chosen to step forward during the public hearing and voice their thoughts. Surprisingly, none of them spoke for or against the ordinance, but instead, they expressed their concerns about the broader implications of legalizing recreational marijuana.

Foley is considering adopting the same ordinance. Other areas such as Duluth, Sartell, St. Cloud, St. Paul, and Stearns County have all banned recreational marijuana in public spaces.

The new regulation will start after it’s published in Saturday’s paper.

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