By Tim Douglass

tdouglass@pctribune.com

Pope County Land and Resources Director David Green told commissioners at their Committee of the Whole (COW) informational meeting that he has had an inquiry for an individual interested in purchasing property near Glenwood to grow and/or process and sell cannabis (marijuana).

He also stated that thee Office of Cannabis Management has now made available to local governments a guidance document and model ordinance information. 

“The inquiry isn’t going anywhere at the moment,” Green said, but Pope County should have something in place by the end of the year,” Green said.  

Green said the county cannot prohibit cannabis sales, but has some control over applications for retail sales of cannabis, using the “time, place (or location) and manner” criteria to decide on specific outlets.    He also said the county needs to decide on a fees schedule.  He pointed out that the county falls under the 12,500 population rule, which means it will need to allow at least one retail outlet in the county.  “There can be more, but the county can regulate them based on location, zoning laws and the “manner” in which they plan to operate. 

The commissioners were told that there would be a draft ordinance on cannabis sales within the next few months.     

A moratorium was put in place in Pope County by commissioners in late 2023 to prohibit new uses, or the expansion of existing uses related to sales, testing, manufacturing and distribution of cannabis products. The purpose of the moratorium was to give the county time to study the land use impacts to public peace, health, morals safety and welfare of county residents, it was stated.

It’s likely to be sometime in 2025 before recreational marijuana is widely available in Minnesota retail settings, but work that is being done throughout 2024 will determine what that market looks like and who is involved.

The Minnesota Legislature passed legislation that allows adults 21 and up be legally allowed to possess and use cannabis for any reason. People can grow their own within limits and they can give away small amounts. 

But the retail market for marijuana is small and will remain so until a licensing structure is developed which will likely be in place by the end of 2024, according to reports.

In another matter, Green said he had received an inquiry from a property owner who is seeking access to the Clearwater Bay sewage system on the east side of Lake Amelia. The owner’s parcel is not located within the described boundaries of the district, which includes 17 full-time and 17 part-time parcels. However, the parcel is directly adjacent to the district, Green explained.  “We have had a brief conversation with the system service provider, Elwood Septic Professionals, who stated that there is capacity available to add the parcel.”

Green will continue to meet with the landowner and the district on the matter.

In other business, the commission:

•Heard a comprehensive report of the recent activities of the Pope Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) from Holly Kovarik, director of the Pope Soil and Water Conservation District.

•Heard from Engineer Brian Giese