Golden Valley Considers Licensing, Zoning for THC Products
The Golden Valley City Council took steps to further regulate THC gummies and beverages after the state legislature legalized the product.
The state passed a law allowing the sale of THC products starting July 1, but didn’t establish any criteria for regulations like licensing, compliance or zoning. The new law caught cities off guard and they’ve been scrambling to figure out how to regulate the product.
Robbinsdale passed an emergency 12-month moratorium on the sale of the products, so it could further study and examine the issue. Brooklyn Center did the same.
Golden Valley opted to pass a licensing ordinance for the products that is similar to the one for tobacco. Council members raised concerns that passing a moratorium, even temporary, could impact existing businesses that are already selling the products.
Down in the Valley’s Scott Farrell spoke during the public hearing. He said the sale of the products is bringing in new customers, but the customers it’s not the customers you might think.
“Yes, they are new customers coming in, and the thing about the new customers, they are older. It’s not the kids coming in, and not the 18 year old trying to buy an over 21-product. They are 50-60 year-old retirees who are saying it’s legal now, let’s try it,” said Farrell.
The issue will come before the city council again. City council documents say the principal concern with zoning changes is providing a buffer between THC uses and schools.
