Updated October 2024 

What is the adult-use cannabis law?

On Aug. 1, 2023, the State of Minnesota passed legislation to legalize adult use of cannabis (Minnesota Statute Chapter 342). The new law establishes a regulatory framework for the state’s new cannabis industry, organizes the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to oversee implementation and regulation and legalizes the possession and limited use of cannabis by people 21 and older. It also allows for 13 different types of cannabis business licenses (e.g., retailer, cultivator, manufacturer, etc.).

What is the role of local governments?

Local governments cannot prohibit the possession, transportation or use of cannabis but they can adopt reasonable restrictions on operation of a cannabis business. For example, local governments can require cannabis businesses to locate up to 1,000 feet from a school and/or up to 500 feet from residential treatment facilities, athletic facilities, attractions within a public park and childcare facilities. Ultimately the required buffers are up to the local government to decide.

Local governments may also adopt an interim ordinance regulating, restricting or prohibiting the operation of a cannabis business through the end of 2024 while they research and identify the appropriate regulations for cannabis businesses within their jurisdiction.

How is our city responding to this new legislation?

The St. Louis Park city council adopted an interim ordinance prohibiting the operation of cannabis businesses on Nov. 6, 2023. This will remain in effect until Jan. 1, 2025. Staff have been reviewing the legislation, consulting city council for policy guidance, and researching potential cannabis regulations to determine those appropriate for St. Louis Park.

The draft cannabis zoning ordinance proposes the following zoning regulations for cannabis businesses.

Cannabis retailer (dispensary): A retailer that can purchase immature cannabis plants and seedlings, cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, and hemp-derived consumer products from other cannabis businesses and sell or otherwise convey them to customers.

• Zoning district(s): C-2 general commercial, MX-1 vertical mixed-use, MX-2 neighborhood mixed-use and existing planned unit developments that allow liquor stores
• Condition(s): Must locate a minimum of 1,000 feet from a school, another cannabis retailer, and several other commercial uses outlined in the ordinance.

Cannabis operation: A facility where cannabis is grown, processed or manufactured into various products such as edibles, concentrates, wax, oils and tinctures.

• Zoning district(s): I-G general industrial
• Condition(s): Must locate a minimum of 1,000 feet from a school and another cannabis operation.

What is the timeline for approving the cannabis zoning ordinance?

• Nov. 6, 2024 – public hearing at planning commission 
  • No comments were received at the public hearing.
  • Planning commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the cannabis zoning ordinance.
• Nov. 18, 2024 – first reading of the ordinance at city council
• Dec. 2, 2024 – second reading of the ordinance at city council
• Jan. 1, 2025 – cannabis zoning ordinance goes into effect

Where can I find additional information?

• Oct. 7, 2024 – city council study session staff report
• Oct. 7, 2024 – city council study session presentation