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Surprisingly little public comment was generated at last week’s county board public hearing required to take action adopting the county’s cannabis retail sales regulations.  There was one speaker,  a “cannabis attorney,” who offered to answer any questions the county commissioners might have adding he represents applicants who are poised to be among the first to apply under the local rules.

Chisago County Administrator Chase Burnham told the county commissioners he planned  on notifying townships and cities immediately following whatever action the Board would take— and get updates on if the governing units were opting into the county’s ordinance, or if the local governing body is planning on registering and enforcing its own rules.  

The state is on track to issue cannabis licenses by early 2025 and local ordinances ought to be in place prior to this.  Any sales occurring in Chisago County minus registration and state license will be fined as a civil penalty. 

This county ordinance also addresses hemp-derived low dose edibles.

Burnham continued, saying in general, the county will be providing compliance checks which are required under state law,  in areas where municipal police agencies don’t exist.  Lakes Area, North Branch and Wyoming Police are presumed to be providing compliance checks in their service areas.   The ordinance sets age 21 for employees who are handling cannabis with flowers, or products and 21 years to enter the business unless the subject is enrolled in the medicinal registry.  No purchasers may be younger than 21.

Commissioner Ben Montzka asked if this ordinance includes grow operations and he was advised only sales are being addressed, as cultivation is not the county’s responsibility.

Distance restrictions for siting the cannabis retail business include:  500 feet between the business— and any school, daycare, public trail, another retail cannabis business, a treatment facility or clinic/hospital.  There is a 1,000 feet requirement for distance from  churches and fairgrounds. 

There is an initial registration fee of $500 and annual renewal fee is allowed, but no “application’ fee.

Those interested in retail cannabis and hemp derived products business first are licensed by the state.  Then they will apply for the county Registration Permit and meet all those conditions.  Based on the county population there are five retail outlets (excluding the low dose hemp products) allowed in county overseen zones.

In other operations and maintenance matters, the Board:

Approved spending a maximum of $139,000 to replace generators at two radio sites and enhance security aspects.  This is budgeted.  If the old generators can be sold, they’ll be put on a government auction website.

An item budgeted for 2023 is just now coming together due to supply chain issues, which a staff member said are the worst he’s seen in 30 years with the county tech.  The network upgrade was a $37,767 project but due to delays the price tag may have increased.  Total maximum was set for $50,800.

A communications pager system needs a generator at a site near Wyoming. Total project is estimated at $18,285 including some site work required and permits.

A project for encryption gateways for radio mobile devices is going to cost about $16,000.

The commissioners okayed going out for bids for planned efficiency improvements at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in North Branch.  Interior room configuration, enclosing of an outdoor storage area and warehouse mechanicals have been in the budget and the county has a grant from March 2024 for renovations.  The bids should be ready for the County Board to award in December.

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