Brooklyn Park Council Approves Study of Municipal Cannabis Store

The city of Brooklyn Park could end up running its own cannabis store.

Acting as the Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority, the city council approved on Aug. 17 a market feasibility study for a municipal cannabis store.

“The purpose of the study would be provide information needed to evaluate whether and how a municipal cannabis retail operation could serve Brooklyn Park residents, generate sustainable revenue, and advance equity goals,” city staff wrote in the city council’s agenda packet. 

Under state law, cities are eligible to apply for a single municipal cannabis license. To date, 13 cities have applied for municipal licenses when the initial window was open.

However, the window to apply for municipal license has now closed, and it’s unclear when cities will have another opportunity to apply.

Meanwhile, the state has capped Brooklyn Park at seven total retail cannabis retail licenses. Five have already been awarded or are pending.

The study, which is being conducted by cannabis consultant Point Seven, will consider the start-up costs and operating expenses for a store, as well as city-operated versus third-party operation models.

“Personally, I’m really excited that we’re going to do this thoughtfully,” said Brooklyn Park City Council Member Nichole Klonowski.

The budget for the study is $25,200.

“In a time where we need to create more revenue for our city, I think that this is the right direction to get all the information that we need and have those conversations so we are ready,” said City Council Member Shelle Page. “Because the other businesses are coming into our city, the privately-owned businesses.”

See also: Osseo Council Approves $3M Tax Abatement for Cannabis Dispensary

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