With state legislation recently passing allowing the sale of some THC products, the question that communities across the region are facing is what to do in their own local communities.
The Savage City Council is expected to discuss that issue during its Sept. 12 work session.
On Tuesday, Aug. 16, Mayor Janet Williams said she wasn’t sure what decision the council will make. She said that cities and towns were “caught by surprise” when the legislation passed.
“I’m not sure at this point what we’re going to do,” Williams said.
One of the concerns that Williams pointed to is that the state is putting the decision in the hands of cities and towns. “I would like to see us work together rather than each one doing it differently,” she said.
Williams said that she felt the legislation was “vague” and that she has been looking at what other communities are doing in terms of moratoriums. She said that she doesn’t have a strong opinion one way or the other right now and is continuing to educate herself more on the issue.
“We’re just taking a little more time to evaluate it and see where we should go,” she Williams.
City Manager Brad Larson said that the organization SCALE is going to be putting together a working group to look at various possible issues, including enforcement, licensing and any potential HR concerns. Larson said he would be leading the group.
What state law does
Under the state law starting July 1, THC gummies or beverages containing 5 milligrams per serving with no more than 50 milligrams per package were allowed to be sold. The legislation doesn’t specify who can sell them or how much an individual can purchase in one day. The law stipulates that only people 21 or older be allowed to purchase the products.
The legislation also allows communities to put moratoriums in place for up to one year in order to further research on what should be done in terms of zoning regulations and licensing.
Williams pointed out that when it comes to moratoriums, communities are going about it differently.
For example, some Scott County communities like Jordan and Prior Lake have passed moratoriums for up to one year for any new businesses to sell the THC products. However Shakopee’s city council decided to pass a moratorium only until the end of the year.
The moratorium doesn’t prevent the sale of any cannabis products that were legal prior to the new legislation. In the case of Jordan, city officials “grandfathered in” any stores that sold the THC products prior to the moratorium going into effect.
County attorney recommends moratorium
While county governments can’t make any decisions for cities and towns, they do have jurisdiction over what townships do.
On Sept. 6, Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar says he will be recommending to the county board that a one-year moratorium be put in place.
“That’s just to study the issue more and to come up with a better understanding of how the legislation works and how the sale of the gummies may affect the community,” Hocevar said.
Hocevar said that one of the concerns is where people are allowed to sell the THC products.
For example, he said that while he isn’t aware of any stores in Scott County townships that sell the THC gummies, the legislation is vague on whether someone would be able to open up a “popup” store at places like farmers markets.
“That’s the kind of questions that need to be answered and be clarified,” he said.
Hocevar said that after speaking with lawmakers in St. Paul, he is hopeful that some of the concerns will be clarified during the next legislative session and will allow the county board to make a more informed decision a year from now, saying that he is hopeful they will “clean up the statue.”
“We anticipate them to clean up some of the language and take away some of the gray areas and provide more direction next spring during their legislative session,” he said.
Hocevar said there will be an open forum at the meeting prior to a vote being taken for people in the community to discuss their concerns or opinions on the matter.
