Olmsted County board caps cannabis retail business registrations at 14

The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners amended its ordinance for using cannabis in public places and set a limit on the number of cannabis businesses. They will allow up to 14 cannabis businesses to register.  

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management will license these businesses. Olmsted County has chosen to require them to register for additional local oversight. 

The allowance for 14 cannabis businesses follows state law that requires each local government to have at least one business for every 12,500 people. Using data from the Minnesota State Demographic Office, Olmsted County has about 168,000 people. The county is required to provide registrations for at least 14 cannabis businesses. 

Cities and townships in Olmsted County can decide whether to allow more cannabis businesses beyond the 14 allowed by the county. 

"The new regulations help us meet state rules while managing the number of cannabis businesses in our community,” said Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Sheila Kiscaden. “Our goal is to balance public safety and community needs. There could be the opportunity for expansion when we have demonstrated both experience and market demand.” 

These rules will take effect March 1, 2025, for most new cannabis businesses. They may take effect earlier for licenses for social equity applicants permitted through state cannabis law. 

Olmsted County is currently working on setting fees for cannabis business registration. A process will also be created to ensure these businesses follow legal requirements. The county will further develop a registration application and selection process.

“These measures support public health and safety as we bring cannabis businesses into our community,” said Olmsted County Public Health Services Director Denise Daniels. “We want these businesses to operate responsibly and follow all rules.” 

The board also amended county ordinances for Graham Park and county parks to limit cannabis use to specific areas and ban the sale of cannabis products there. 

Additionally, the board plans to update county zoning ordinances to set new rules for where cannabis businesses can be in unincorporated areas. A public hearing on these changes will be held on August 20, 2024, at the 6 p.m. board meeting at the Government Center.