Cannabis ordinance revisions debated; multiple items acted on

The North Branch City Council engaged in a lengthy discussion last week on possible revisions to the city cannabis retail ordinance. The topic was accredited to Council member Robert Canada and subcommittee review. Matthew Hill, city administrator, said the added scrutiny stems from the city’s earlier discussion about a location for a cannabis retailer, on Isanti Trail. Referencing a state law that requires consideration of one cannabis site for a city up to 12,500 population, council noted North Branch could hit 12,501 in a relatively short timespan, possibly generating a second request to sanction a chosen location for cannabis sales. The actual license is issued by the State of Minnesota.

• Share
• By Denise Martin
• February 4, 2026