By Tim Douglass

tdouglass@pctribune.com

Glenwood City Attorney Troy Nelson discussed the new Minnesota law legalizing adult cannabis use and the possible regulatory framework about cannabis and Glenwood’s role in that law. 

In short, Nelson told the Glenwood City Commission that it was too soon for the city to be doing much on the issue, especially since the framework for possible retail sales of cannabis have not yet been established by the state.

He did say that he expected to receive more information by the end of the year about the business side of the new cannabis law, including business regulations and applications. He said the state has a goal to start licensing businesses by January of 2025.

Nelson said he believed that the state would be the “big actor” in determining licenses and added that the county would likely provide regulations that would apply to the city.

“It’s just not clear yet and it’s not an issue that needs any action at this point because the state is not yet set up to give licenses and that’s not going to happen until 2025,” Nelson explained.  

The reason the city wanted to hear something on the subject is because of a line in the state’s new cannabis laws that allows cities and counties to “establish, own and operate a municipal cannabis store.” 

That line has prompted some cities to research whether they want to open their own dispensary or dispensaries, depending on population.

It’s just too soon to pursue that issue at the point,” Nelson added.  He suggested that the city just step back and see how things get worked out at the state level before making any decisions.

The city commission passed a motion to acknowledge the city attorney’s update on the cannabis law and its possible impact in Glenwood. 

The law enacted at the end of the 2023 Minnesota Legislative session legalized adult–use cannabis in Minnesota and established a regulatory framework over the cannabis industry. The state, however, doesn’t plan to roll out that framework until later this year, it was stated. 

In other business, the city commission:

• Approved  an agreement between the city and Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc. to conduct a stormwater utility evaluation.

•Approved engineering services for Widseth for the 2024 Street Improvement projects.

•Approved an agreement between the city and state of Minnesota to help aid Minnewaska Area High School to attain shooting equipment for the Minnewaska Trap Club at the Glenwood Shooting Range.

•Approved the city staff’s request to seek a grant from MnDOT aeronautics at the Glenwood Airport.

•Approved a resolution authorizing a grant agreement between the city and the MnDOT for airport improvement.  The grant is for the replacement of an existing John Deere flex-wing mower.

•Reviewed the “unfinished project status report provided by City Administrator Dave Iverson.

•Approved a request from Someplace Safe to waive the $150 rental fee for the Chalet

In Barsness Park on May 10.  The fee was waived because Someplace Safe is a nonprofit organization.