Olmsted County Commissioners Put Cap on Cannabis Businesses

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Olmsted County has decided to limit the number of cannabis businesses to the minimum set by state law.

The Olmsted County Board voted today to cap the number of cannabis businesses allowed in the County at 14. Cities and townships within the county still have the option to allow additional cannabis businesses.

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Under the state law legalizing the recreational use of cannabis, each local government is required to provide registrations for at least one business for every 12,500 residents. The cap of 14 is based on the Minnesota State Demographic Office estimates that Olmsted County's population is around 168,000.

"The new regulations help us meet state rules while managing the number of cannabis businesses in our community,” said Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Sheila Kiscaden. “Our goal is to balance public safety and community needs. There could be the opportunity for expansion when we have demonstrated both experience and market demand.”

A news release issued by Olmsted County indicates the new rules will take effect next March. The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management will license the businesses, but they will also be required to register with the County for additional oversight.

Additional work is needed before any cannabis businesses open in the Rochester area. Olmsted County staff is still working on setting fees and developing a process to make sure the businesses follow legal requirements. The county also still needs to finalize the registration application and selection process.

The County Board is scheduled to hold another public hearing later this month concerning changes to the County zoning ordinance that will set new rules for where cannabis businesses can be located.

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