The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday approved regulations for where cannabis dispensaries and growers can set up shop once licenses become available.

The order to amend the city’s zoning code passed 12-1, and Mayor Jacob Frey threw his support behind the measure, paving the way for recreational cannabis businesses.

Like its neighbor Saint-PaulMinneapolis has chosen to adopt the minimum 300-foot school buffer zone as required by state law.

The ordinance also states that all cannabis-related businesses must be “located within a contiguous commercial or industrial area of ​​at least three acres.” An earlier version set the requirement at five contiguous acres and an amendment introduced Thursday by Council Member Aurin Chowdhury. removed a 300-foot buffer zone proposal between dispensaries.

Commercial cannabis cultivation will be limited to areas zoned for production and processing – similar to urban agricultural uses. The ordinance also imposes restrictions on light and odors in commercial cultivation facilities.

“Minneapolis has always been ahead of the curve in adopting and improving new rules and regulations,” said Jamal Osman, council member and author of the ordinance. “I’m proud of the great work our staff has done to ensure cannabis businesses are prepared to support the first round of candidates by having these policies on the books.”

Once the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) begins issuing licenses, Minneapolis will need to license at least 34 dispensaries citywide, based on a requirement of one dispensary per 12,500 residents.

There is still no firm date on when retail cannabis sales will be allowed statewide, but the OCM has said it intends to finalize the rules and begin to issue licenses in early 2025.