NEW ULM – The city enacted an emergency ordinance on Tuesday, establishing temporary restrictions on the sale of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis.
The ordinance requires all individuals or businesses to notify New Ulm’s Finance Director in writing of their intention to sell edible cannabinoid products. Individuals or businesses should store their goods behind the counter and only access them by customers who have requested the goods from an employee. Sales may only be made to individuals over the age of 21.
The emergency ordinance was enacted following changes to Minnesota law. As of July 1, it is legal to use edible cannabinoid products containing 0.3% or less of THC.
Cities across Minnesota have been caught off guard by the sudden legalization of cannabis edibles. The law requires products to be sold only to individuals over the age of 21, but few additional regulations are set. The law does not prevent local governments from making regulations.
The council discussed possible regulation during a working session on Aug. 2 and apparently agreed that some sort of license should be enacted to market edible cannabinoid products.
Generally, the city must maintain two separate considerations for an ordinance before it goes into effect. Thereafter, the ordinance will come into force 30 days after publication.
However, Section 67 of New Ulm’s charter allows the city to enact health and safety ordinances immediately. The Council chose to use this Emergency Clause to enact a Temporary Ordinance.
This emergency regulation requires sellers of edible cannabinoids to register with the Treasury Department and will remain so until a permanent ordinance is adopted.
Mayor Chris Dalton said this would give the city time to consider how to license these products. Temporary ordinances set the ground rules so the city could know who was selling the goods.
City Councilman David Christian said this is something all Minnesota cities are working on, but there is widespread action. increase. Others have passed moratoriums banning products until regulations are written.
Rep. Eric Warmka said an emergency ordinance approach would be more productive than a moratorium.
“The moratorium is useless at this point.” Wormka said. “Let’s sort things out.”
Dalton has identified at least one business in New Ulm. A smoke shop on the east side of town next to Hy-Vee sells food. With the passage of this emergency ordinance, Dalton said all businesses that currently sell food or plan to sell food must report to the city that they are selling them. The City will contact stores about this law.
Warmka motioned for the enactment of an emergency ordinance, with a second proposal from David Christian. Passed unanimously.