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As Minnesota prepares for legalized cannabis shops, so too will local governments.
Despite delays, shops are coming, and cities and towns where they’ll be built will have to decide how they’ll be regulated. While state law prevents municipalities from prohibiting shops from opening, it does allow for “reasonable restrictions” when it comes to time and place and manner of the business.
On January 14, officials from Virgina gathered to learn more about these reasonable restrictions. A presentation from St. Louis County’s Assistant Attorney Kristen Swanson aimed to help elected officials and the public get up to speed on the current legal situation on legalized cannabis, and what the responsibilities are for the city, county, and state.
“So, the Office of Cannabis Management is essentially, for lack of a better term, the boss of all of us. They are responsible for the application process, the approval process. They decide who gets a license, who does not get a license.” Explained Swanson.
While no action was made on a regulation ordinance at the meeting, an early draft of one showed possible restrictions for businesses.
The draft states that cannabis businesses would be prohibited within 500 feet of a school, daycare, residential treatment facility, detox facility, public parks with attractions used by minors, or another cannabis business. It also would restrict cannabis businesses run out of homes and set hours of operation for businesses.
No timeline, or exact language was given or voted on during the meeting, though the Virginia City clerk did remind the council that action would have to be taken soon than later as the state continues to move forward with the business licensing process.
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