[[{“value”:”
OLIVIA
— The
Renville County Board
of Commissioners is about to propose an ordinance to regulate the retail sale of cannabis in the county, but members voiced mixed views on penalties for violations when the matter was discussed at a work session on April 1.
There were differing opinions on the size of monetary penalties to impose for first, second and third violations, and whether to suspend or revoke the registration of retailers of high-potency
cannabis
after a third violation. Violations could include sales to persons under age 21 or failure to comply with other rules, such as restrictions on the hours of operation.
At this point, the commissioners are considering penalties of $500 for a first violation, $1,500 for a second and permit revocation for a third offense at high-potency retail dispensaries. They are considering a $2,500 fine for someone selling high-potency cannabis without registering with the county as will be required.
The commissioners plan to adopt a draft ordinance at their April 8 meeting and hold a public hearing on May 13. They suggested public input could play an important role in the content of that ordinance.
County Administrator Lisa Herges pointed out that the commissioners could receive some valuable insight at the public hearing. The commissioners may want to make additional changes after receiving it, she said.
The commissioners are in agreement with most of the recommendations from the county’s public health department on a possible ordinance. Sara Benson, public health director, said the department is recommending that the county issue no more than two retail registrations for high-potency cannabis sales.
Saturation is the main concern, Benson said.
“Our county is not that big and close to Redwood Falls,” she said. There are expectations that the Lower Sioux Community will open a cannabis dispensary, she said.
While the commissioners can limit the number of retail dispensaries to two, municipalities could open dispensaries and they would not count toward that limit, according to Benson.
At this point, she said one municipality is considering adopting its own rules for retail cannabis, and another is undecided. Four have indicated they would delegate their authority to the county. She has not heard from any townships interested in adopting their own ordinances.
Commissioners previously decided that
Renville County Public Health
would oversee compliance for cannabis sales, as it does for tobacco sales. The commissioners assigned the county’s zoning and planning office to oversee compliance for the cultivation of cannabis. The regulations will be part of a separate, land use ordinance. Zoning and planning are under
Renville County Environmental Services.
Commissioners agreed in discussions on Tuesday that penalties for the retail dispensaries of high-potency cannabis will be greater than those for businesses selling low-potency cannabis.
There are believed to be eight businesses selling low-potency cannabis, such as edibles and THC beverages in the county, according to Benson. They currently do not need to be registered with the county, but will have to register when Minnesota’s new cannabis laws are in effect.
Those selling cannabis must obtain a license from the state’s Office of Cannabis Management and they must also register with the county in which they are doing business. The county’s only effective control over cannabis sales is in the issuance of a registration permit, according to the discussions.
Low-potency THC is being sold mainly in convenience stores. Regulations will continue to allow workers age 16 to sell the products. For that reason, the commissioners said they favor allowing smaller penalties and four violations before revoking a registration.
Commissioner Greg Snow said despite the best efforts to provide training, younger workers are more prone to make mistakes and sell to underage customers.
Only persons age 21 and older will be able to sell high-potency cannabis.
“}]] The Renville County Board of Commissioners favors limiting retail dispensaries to two, but is looking for input on the level of monetary penalties for sales violations. Read More
