Minneapolis City Council Approves Cannabis Regulations

The Minneapolis City Council has approved new regulations for cannabis businesses, allowing dispensaries in most commercial zoning areas while maintaining a 300-foot buffer from schools, similar to recently adopted rules in St. Paul. The council's 12-1 vote included the elimination of a proposed buffer zone between dispensaries to promote competition among local businesses, with City Councilmember Aurin Chowdhury arguing it would prevent out-of-state corporations from dominating the market. However, some council members, like Linea Palmisano, expressed concerns that clustering dispensaries could negatively affect other neighborhoods. Minnesota law mandates that the city issue 34 licenses for dispensaries, aimed at one retailer per 12,500 residents, with the Office of Cannabis Management overseeing the licensing process. While businesses are preparing for market entry, the city anticipates that dispensaries might not open until 2025, following a cautious approach to regulations. This initiative reflects a broader trend in local governance, balancing economic opportunity with community concerns about cannabis business placements.