(ABC 6 News) – Olmsted County has updated its rules for cannabis businesses, a news release said Wednesday.

According to the release, this is to create clear procedures by March 1, 2025. This date is when authorized cannabis sales are expected to begin in Minnesota. Information on licensing for cannabis businesses can be found through the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.

Olmsted County noted that this order is intended to ensure businesses operate safely and follow county and state regulations. It includes provisions relating to business registration, compliance checks, event requirements and regulatory enforcement.

Cannabis Business Registration 

Anyone with a state-licensed cannabis retail business who wants to operate in Olmsted County must also register with the county before opening. If they fail to register and make sales to customers without a valid retail registration, they will be fined $2,000 for each violation, the press release states.

Approval and request 

Before a retail cannabis business can be approved by Olmsted County, it must go through a review process to ensure it complies with local rules regarding zoning, fire safety and community codes. building. The initial cost of registration would not exceed $500 or half the cost of a state license, whichever is less.

Rules for Cannabis Events 

New cannabis event regulations state that businesses must obtain a temporary cannabis event permit from Olmsted County, as well as a state license. These events can last up to four days. They must follow rules, including checking IDs to ensure people buying cannabis products are at least 21 years old. They must also have spaces reserved for cannabis consumption (smoking and vaping cannabis is prohibited) and offer food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Compliance checks and sanctions 

Each year, cannabis retail businesses will undergo at least one unannounced sales compliance audit to ensure they are not selling to anyone under 21 years of age. If violations are found, the business owner faces fines or suspension of registration for up to 30 days.

Cannabis businesses and event organizers should review the updated rules to ensure they are complying with the updated regulations, Olmsted County noted.

“These updates are crucial to ensuring that Olmsted County cannabis businesses operate within a clear and structured legal framework,” said Olmsted County Administrator Travis Gransee. “We aim to balance public health and safety while supporting a fair and well-regulated cannabis market.”

“By establishing strict regulations regarding product safety, minor access and routine compliance checks, we are taking proactive steps to reduce the potential risks of cannabis to public health,” said Sheila Kiscaden, president of the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners. “We are committed to using our local authority to protect community health.”

New Cannabis Webpage

Olmsted County indicated in the press release that it had made a Web page serve as a hub for cannabis-related information.

Local information on registration and events permitting cannabis commerce will be provided on the county website by March 1, 2025.