Introduce Ordinance #24-05, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance #23-09, An interim Ordinance Prohibiting the Establishment of New Uses or the Operation of an Adult-Use Cannabis Business Related to the Sales, Testing, Manufacturing, and Distribution of Real THC Products

In May 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance #23-09, an interim ordinance that prohibited the establishment of new adult-use cannabis retailers and low-potency hemp retailers within the City of Ramsey to allow time for the Office of Cannabis Management (the Office) to develop ordinances and standardized forms and procedures for the issuance of retail registration, and to develop policies and procedures for the performance of compliance checks. The ordinance is set to expire on May 24, 2024. The Office has yet to start the development process for ordinances and forms; therefore, staff recommends an amendment to allow for additional time for the development of the needed regulations. As part of the 2023 MN Legislation, H.F 100 gives local governments the authority to adopt an interim ordinance that may regulate, restrict, or prohibit the operation of a cannabis business with the jurisdiction or portion thereof until January 1, 2025. Therefore, the proposed amendment complies with state law.

The proposed amendment changes the Effective Date; Duration in section 6. The language is updated to read "It shall be effective until the earlier of the following events: (a) January 1, 2025; or (b) the date upon which the City Council adopts an ordinance repealing this ordinance." A draft of the ordinance is attached for your review. City Attorney Knaak reviewed the amendment and has approved the draft.

During the effective duration of the interim ordinance, City staff will be working with the Office and City Council to establish ordinances, procedures and forms for the successful management of adult-use cannabis retailers within the City of Ramsey.

A public hearing notice was published in the newspaper, advertised on the city website and posted in City hall.

Once the interim use ordinance is adopted, it will remain in effect until January 1, 2025, or until the City Council determines proper regulations are in place for the sale of adult-use cannabis, whichever comes first.

Not Applicable

Staff suggests City Council hold a public hearing for the first reading to introduce Ordinance #24-05.

Motion to introduce Ordinance #24-05, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance #23-09, An Interim Ordinance Prohibiting the Establishment of New Uses or the Operation of an Adult-Use Cannabis Business Related to the Sales, Testing, Manufacturing and Distribution of Real THC Products.

Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Olson
Councilmember Woestehoff
Councilmember Specht
Councilmember Musgrove
Councilmember Howell
Couniclmember Riley
Mayor Kuzma