Olmsted County Sets Rules for Legal Cannabis Sales

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Legal cannabis sales are set to start on March 1, 2025 in Minnesota. 

See Also: Rochester School Board Approves Raise for Superintendent 

In August of 2023, possession and use of marijuana and cannabis products became legal in Minnesota. Retail sales of the drug however were delayed to allow the state and local governments time to set up regulation for sales of the product. 

Last year the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners approved setting the cap for authorized cannabis retailers within the county at 14, which is in line with the state cap of one seller per 12,500 people. 

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The elected leaders also prohibited the use of marijuana and cannabis-like products in public places with the exception of cannabis events approved by the state’s Office of Cannabis Management. 

Olmsted County Board Approves Set of Local Rules for Cannabis Retailers

On Tuesday, the Olmsted County Board signed off on rules for licensed cannabis retailers. 

In addition to receiving licensing approval from the state, retailers wishing to operate in Olmsted must also register with the county before opening. Those who do not register with the county will be fined $2,000 per violation. 

Potential cannabis retailers in the county are required to undergo a local review process to ensure their business meets local zoning and fire safety rules along with local building codes. The fee for undergoing the local review process will be capped at $500. 

Those holding cannabis events must obtain a permit from the county in addition to having a license to host the event from the state. 

The events can last up to four days and must follow rules for ensuring those buying cannabis products at events are at least 21 years old. 

County officials are also planning to conduct at least one compliance check at each cannabis retailer per year to ensure the business is not selling products to customers under the age of 21. Sellers who fail compliance checks will be subject to fines and a 30-day license suspension. 

The county has also launched a website that has information for licensed sellers of cannabis.