The Red Wing City Council Approves New Cannabis Ordinance

In a significant move regarding local cannabis regulations, the Red Wing City Council has formally approved an ordinance that restricts the number of cannabis dispensaries within city limits to just two. The decision, reached during the council’s session on November 12, sets the framework for operating cannabis businesses in the area while aligning with Minnesota state laws.

Key Features of the Ordinance

• The ordinance limits the city to two cannabis retail businesses based on the population metrics outlined by state law.
• All cannabis businesses will undergo a registration process overseen by the city, while the state will be responsible for issuing licenses starting in 2025.
• Compliance checks will be mandated at least once per year for any registered cannabis retail locations.

One notable aspect of the ordinance is the inclusion of cannabis businesses situated on land held in trust for the Prairie Island Indian Community in the city’s overall cap on dispensaries.

Location Restrictions and Zoning

To ensure that cannabis businesses do not interfere with community amenities, the ordinance stipulates several location restrictions:

• Cannabis retail businesses are prohibited from being located within 1,000 feet of one another.
• Dispensaries cannot set up shop within 1,000 feet from schools, 500 feet from daycare centers, 500 feet from parks frequented by children, and 500 feet from residential treatment facilities.

It’s important to note that the 1,000-foot distance from schools is measured from the property line, not from the building itself. This measurement technique means that the proximity of community amenities such as Red Wing High School is a critical factor in determining suitable locations for any future cannabis retail establishments.

Zoning Considerations and Future Amendments

The city staff, led by Community Development Director Kyle Klatt, is studying the zoning laws to create appropriate categories for cannabis businesses. This includes distinguishing between cannabis cultivation—which would fall under agricultural zoning—and retail dispensaries, which would be permitted in retail business zoning. If existing zoning classifications do not accommodate a specific type of cannabis business, adjustments will be proposed to the council for approval.

County Fees for Cannabis Registration

On another front, the Goodhue County Board has set new fees for registering cannabis businesses in areas not governed by city regulations. The county’s fee structure is anchored in accordance with Minnesota’s cannabis law, including the following:

• $500 for initial registration of a cannabis retail, mezzobusiness, or medical cannabis business.
• $1,000 for renewing the registration for these types of businesses.
• $125 for both registering and renewing for lower-potency hemp edible retail businesses.
• A penalty of $2,000 for registration infractions.

The county’s ordinance, adopted earlier in October, caps the total number of dispensaries in unincorporated areas to four, but these limits do not apply to businesses located in cities with their own cannabis regulations or those on trust land for the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Implications for the Local Community

The recent passage of the ordinance signifies an evolving framework for cannabis regulation in Red Wing, reflecting a blend of state requirements and community priorities. As Minnesota prepares for the start of cannabis business licensing in 2025, local authorities are making strides to ensure that the transition is smooth and compliant.

Residents of Red Wing can anticipate that this ordinance will not only help manage the number of cannabis businesses in the area but also help mitigate concerns regarding their proximity to schools and child-focused amenities. As the city continues to explore zoning possibilities, further updates and community consultations may pave the way for a balanced and responsible approach to cannabis retail in the city.