City Planning Commission Committee to hear staff recommendations for adult-use recreational cannabis
This afternoon, City staff will present their recommendations for adult-use recreational cannabis to the Planning Commission Committee of the Whole for consideration.
The Planning Commission Committee of the Whole meeting agenda is posted online. The text amendment will follow the standard Zoning Code Amendment Process.
Staff will introduce zoning ordinance standards that will regulate the growth, production, distribution, and retail sale of cannabis. The amendment addresses all license types issued by the state, covering the entire market from manufacturing and processing to sales.
“Inclusively and effectively regulating cannabis will require careful analysis and a commitment to continuous improvement,” said Mayor Frey. “City leaders and subject matter experts across our local government have been collaborating for months to develop a framework to keep the production and sale of recreational cannabis safe for the community. I am glad they will have a chance to share the progress they’ve made and gather feedback to continue shaping our approach to best serve Minneapolis.”
Minneapolis, like the State of Minnesota, is taking an inclusive approach to regulation and business support. Resources will be directed toward education and support programs for social equity applicants through our Small Business Team. The City is working to create a comprehensive cannabis program addressing all facets of the industry, including land use and zoning regulations, small business assistance, business registration processes, and public health initiatives.
The City’s goal is to adopt the amendment before the early cultivation of recreational cannabis begins in Minnesota, ensuring timely responses to social equity applicants with pre-approvals from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to verify local zoning compliance and relay local requirements and standards to those businesses.
This afternoon’s forum is for discussion of zoning code amendments only. The Planning Commission will not be making any decisions at this meeting. Future public engagement opportunities are being planned this summer for residents to provide feedback. Additionally, public hearings are offered during the amendment adoption process where the public will be invited to participate.