Maple Grove Mayor Weighs In on Marijuana Legislation

Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) talked about the discussion and debate over recreational marijuana and whether cities should have local controls at this week’s Maple Grove City Council meeting.

“We’re not sure if it’s going to pass this year or next year or if it passed at all, but I think it has the votes to do that. I’ve traditionally been opposed to it, but nevertheless I’m a realist and have to read the writing on the wall,” said Limmer. “The question comes up, can cities exert some kind of local control on whether or not they want to have businesses offer that product in their city.”

Cities had to grapple with ordinances regarding businesses selling beverages or products with THC after the legislature legalized sales last summer. Many cities passed temporary moratoriums so they could study and create ordinances, in many cases similar to the ones governing tobacco or alcohol.  Just this last week, Brooklyn Park approved the first licenses to six businesses requesting to sell products containing THC. 

Mayor Mark Steffenson said historically cities have licensed tobacco and alcohol.

“I see no reason cities shouldn’t be allowed to license cannabis-related facilities,” said Steffenson. “We need to have some controls to make sure these businesses are going into locations that are  appropriate for their business use and there is some licensing control.”

You can listen to the full discussion in this week’s city council meeting here, and read the Senate bill, SF73, regarding recreational marijuana here and the House bill , HF100, here.

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