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Just two people spoke at the public hearing in the County Board room last week before the County Commissioners adopted a proposed enforcement ordinance, to restrict the extent of public use of recreational cannabis.  Those who testified addressed the $300 maximum penalty for what the state has classified as a petty misdemeanor offense.  They felt there should be a larger fine as a more serious disincentive to public use.

County Attorney Janet Reiter explained the state sets the offense level, and that lawmakers intentionally decriminalized adult marijuana usage.  The county is enacting what it is authorized to enforce, under the laws.

Reiter added, there was no desire on state legislators’ part to create an offense that results in incarceration— and law enforcement at most can issue a citation.  

Minnesota counties are now adopting similar ordinances to what commissioners for Chisago County embraced in preparation for possible proliferation of cannabis-smoking and/or consumption where the public is accommodated.  

Buildings and outdoor public spaces will both be covered as public cannabis use is disallowed in the new ordinance.  The ordinance makes an exception for the premises of “an event or establishment that has been licensed to permit on-site consumption.”

Private use, private cultivation limits and possession of a certain amount were legalized by the state as of August 2023.  It has been up to cities and counties to set local limitations by ordinance on adult cannabis use enforcement in public spaces.  

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