This bill amends various provisions related to the regulation of cannabis businesses by local units of government in Minnesota. It establishes that local governments cannot prohibit the possession, transportation, or use of cannabis products and cannot prevent the establishment or operation of licensed cannabis businesses, except as specified in section 342.22. New provisions allow local governments to impose restrictions on the time, place, and manner of cannabis business operations, provided these do not prohibit their establishment. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for local governments to certify compliance with zoning ordinances and the State Fire Code for proposed cannabis businesses, and it mandates the development of model ordinances and compliance check procedures.

The bill also modifies the compliance check process for cannabis businesses, requiring local governments to conduct annual unannounced age verification checks and submit data on these checks to the state office. This data must include details about the cannabis business, the results of the compliance checks, and any violations or actions taken in response. Furthermore, the bill allows counties with consent from cities to develop a process for issuing retail registrations that meets minimum requirements while limiting the number of registrations in each city or town. Overall, the bill aims to enhance local control while ensuring compliance with state regulations regarding cannabis businesses.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 342.22