Rice County is taking significant steps toward regulating the sale of cannabis with a proposed ordinance that could pave the way for municipal dispensaries. This initiative, discussed during a recent meeting of the Rice County Board of Commissioners, aims to establish a framework for the registration and operation of cannabis retailers in the area. A public hearing is scheduled for November 26, where community members can voice their opinions before the board votes on the ordinance.
Key Features of the Proposed Ordinance
The drafted ordinance is designed to apply specifically to dispensaries in the greater Rice County area, including Morristown, Nerstrand, and Dennison. Here are some of the main points outlined in the proposal:
- Registration and Licensing: Dispensaries will need to register with the county and obtain a state license, which must be approved prior to county registration. The initial registration fee is set at $500 or half the state license fee, whichever is lower. This fee will also cover the first renewal, while subsequent annual renewals will cost $1,000 or half the renewal fee for the state.
- Population-Based Cap: The ordinance proposes a cap on the number of dispensary registrations, allowing one dispensary for every 12,500 residents. Given the current population of Rice County, this means a maximum of five dispensaries can operate at any one time. However, municipal dispensaries and those selling low-potency hemp edibles will not count toward this cap.
- Compliance and Violations: All dispensaries will be subject to annual compliance checks by the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. Violations can result in fines ranging from $300 to $2,000, along with potential suspension or revocation of registrations.
Implications for Local Cities and Residents
The ordinance also outlines specific operational guidelines, including:
- Setback Requirements: Dispensaries must maintain a distance of 1,000 feet from schools and 500 feet from licensed daycare centers, residential treatment facilities, playgrounds, and public athletic fields.
- Hours of Operation: Retailers will be allowed to operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, aligning their hours with those of alcohol sales. If a hemp retailer’s state license permits on-site consumption, their hours will correspond with on-sale liquor hours.
- Local Autonomy: Cities such as Faribault, Northfield, Dundas, and Lonsdale have opted not to delegate registration authority to the county. Each of these cities will establish its own registration ordinances for cannabis retailers, which may differ from the county’s regulations.
What’s Next?
The public hearing is set for 9 a.m. on November 26 at the Rice County Government Services Building located at 320 Third St. NW in Faribault. This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to express their views on the proposed ordinance and its potential impact on the community.
As Rice County moves forward with this initiative, the outcome of the public hearing could shape the future of cannabis retailing in the region, balancing regulatory oversight with community interests.