City Council passes cannabis businesses ordinance

In a 12-1 vote, the Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance that will govern the location and operation of legal cannabis businesses in the city.

"Leaders from across our local government have been working for years to set up an inclusive, fair, and thoughtful approach to recreational cannabis in Minneapolis," said Mayor Frey. "This ordinance is one important piece of the overall framework we're putting in place to ensure legalization works for everyone."

The ordinance that amends the City's zoning code adopts regulations for governing cannabis businesses. Mostly, it helps clarify where and how dispensaries and other licensed cannabis businesses can be located. Highlights of the ordinance include:

• Allowing cannabis retailers in and production zoning districts
• Requiring a 3-acre area of contiguous commercial or production zoning in order to locate a cannabis retailer
• Requiring a 300-foot buffer between cannabis retailers and schools
• Requiring commercial cultivation of cannabis in the Production and Processing zoning districts, similar to existing urban agriculture uses
• Allowing limited production of cannabis products in districts

Minnesota state law requires the City to allow a minimum of 34 licenses for dispensaries, based on a requirement of one cannabis retailer for every 12,500 people. State licenses cover the entire market from seed to sale; including cultivation, manufacturing and processing, distribution and sales. The state's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will be the entity to grant the licenses.

"Minneapolis has always been early to adopt and improve upon new rules and regulations," said Council Member Jamal Osman, ward 6. "I'm proud of the excellent work our staff has done to make sure that cannabis businesses are ready to support the first round of applicants by having these policies on the books."

City staff worked with the City Council to vet the standards and make adjustments. The City is taking a safe and permissive approach to regulation and business support, focused on education and social equity. The City's work addresses all facets of the industry including land use and zoning regulations, enforcement, small business assistance, business registration processes and public health initiatives.

"The City Council's support for cannabis businesses marks a positive step in ensuring the legalization process is safe, equitable and accessible for all in Minneapolis," said Sara Roman, senior planner with the City of Minneapolis. "The team has taken great care to listen to all stakeholders throughout this process and is confident that this is a win-win for Minneapolis residents and the people who wish to do business here."