HomeMy Public PortalAbout08.15.2023 Work Session MinutesMedina City Council Work Session Minutes
August 15, 2023
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF
AUGUST 15, 2023
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in work session on August 15, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at
the Medina City Hall, 2052 County Road 24, Medina, MN.
I. Call to Order
Members present: Martin, Albers, Cavanaugh, DesLauriers, Reid
Members absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, City Clerk/Assistant to the City
Administrator Caitlyn Walker, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, Public Safety Director Jason
Nelson, Planning Director Dusty Finke, City Attorney Dave Anderson
II. Discussion on the Sale of Edible Cannabinoid Products
City Attorney Anderson provided an overview of the topic. On November 1, 2022, the city
council adopted a one-year moratorium on the sale of edible cannabinoid products, including
both edibles and beverages (THC Edibles), which were legalized in 2022 under Minnesota
Statutes, section 151.72. The moratorium took effect on November 17, 2022. The moratorium
cannot be extended beyond its one-year term, meaning that it will expire on November 17, 2023.
Staff is looking for direction on what action to take following the end of the moratorium.
Anderson explained that eventually there will be statewide regulation of recreational cannabis
and hemp products which includes THC Edibles as section 151.72 will automatically be repealed
on March 1, 2025. Therefore, any action taken by the city council regarding regulating the sale
of THC Edibles will be temporary.
Anderson explained that the city council has three options. First, the city council could pass a
licensing ordinance that establishes a local licensing program to regulate THC Edible retailers.
Second, the city council could expressly prohibit the sale of THC edibles under section 151.72.
This prohibition would be allowed through March 1, 2025. Third, the city council could take no
action and allow the moratorium to expire without any action. The result of this would be that
certain businesses could begin selling THC Edibles to the extent allowed under section 151.72.
For example, a retail business operating in accordance with existing zoning regulations could sell
THC Edibles. Additionally, on-sale liquor establishments are expressly allowed under section
151.72 to sell THC Edibles for on-site consumption.
Anderson explained that most cities have pursued a local licensing program or have chosen to let
their moratorium expire with no additional action. Council members expressed support for a
prohibition of the products to allow more time to learn about the products until the statewide
regulatory agency can be established. Mayor Martin asked Public Safety Director Nelson about
the potential impacts of each option on emergency management services. Nelson explained they
anticipate usage of THC Edibles will impact traffic incidents and medical calls. Nelson shared he
is in favor of the prohibition of the products until the state is prepared to regulate all recreational
cannabis and hemp products.
Medina City Council Work Session Minutes
August 15, 2023
Overall, the City Council members provided direction to staff to prepare an ordinance
prohibiting the sale of THC Edibles in Medina until March 1, 2025. The City Council also
requested that staff prepare a letter to the local businesses with liquor and tobacco licenses to
educate the businesses that they will not be permitted to sell THC Edibles.
III. Adjourn
Cavanaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 p.m. on August 15, 2023. Martin
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
_________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Caitlyn Walker, City Clerk