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1. What’s already legal in Minnesota?

Since Aug 1, 2023, adults (21+) may legally possess and use cannabis within set limits. Check out the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management for more information HERE. 

2. Why can’t the City just ban cannabis shops?

 State law prohibits bans on cannabis or hemp businesses licensed by the state but allows cities to limit retail stores to one per 12,500 residents. Lino Lakes (pop. ~22,000) is required to allow no fewer than two retail stores. Cities are also allowed a license to own and operate one store themselves.

3. How much will this cost the city?

The City is considering a revenue sharing partnership that would minimize or eliminate any City costs.    

4. How will this benefit the city?

While no decisions have been made, revenue from the dispensary could be used to reduce the property tax levy, fund street reconstruction, park improvements, and more - depending on the City Council’s direction. 

5. Can the city prohibit the use of cannabis in public places?

Yes. In the City of Lino Lakes, no person shall use cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products in a public place or a place of public accommodation unless the premises is an establishment, or an event licensed to permit on-site consumption of cannabis products. 

6. How will the City prevent odors from a cannabis retail shop from reaching neighboring properties?

A cannabis business shall be ventilated so that the odor of marijuana cannot be detected by a person with a normal sense of smell at the exterior of the cannabis business at the property line. 

7. Are there restrictions to where a cannabis business can operate within the city?

A cannabis retail business shall not operate within the following:

• 1000 feet of a school
• 500 feet of a residential treatment facility
• 500 feet of an attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors, including a playground or athletic field 

8. Where is smoking cannabis permitted in Lino Lakes?

In 2023, per MN State Statute Chapter 342.09, the State of Minnesota legalized personal adult use of cannabis use in the following locations:

• Private residences
• Private property, unless prohibited by the owner
• In premises licensed for on-site consumption

9. Does the City regulate the hours of operation for cannabis retail stores?

Yes, per City ordinance, cannabis retail establishments may operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.