Minneapolis committee keeps public hearing open on ordinance for temporary cannabis events

The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee of the City of Minneapolis heard a presentation Oct. 14 on a proposed amendment to Title 15, Chapter 325, to establish local registration and standards for temporary cannabis events and kept the public hearing open for additional testimony.

The proposed ordinance would require written confirmation from the City that an event location meets local standards before the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management issues a final event permit. The draft sets strict limits on on-site consumption of combustible and vaporized products: consumption would be prohibited in public rights of way, must not be visible from public spaces, and would have to be at least 300 feet from parks, residences and K–12 schools. Organizers would be required to provide applicant and property-owner contact information, a copy of the state license application, and carry $1,000,000 in occurrence and aggregate insurance with the City of Minneapolis named as an additional insured. The City would continue to oversee non-cannabis permits such as food and amplified sound; inspections for cannabis products would be performed by the state agency.

Why it matters: supporters and potential event organizers said the rules create a predictable local approval pathway that aligns with state licensing and can enable festivals and private events; neighbors and some elected officials spoke about the potential for impacts near residences and parks and asked about interactions with Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board rules. City staff and speakers said other Minnesota cities have taken varied approaches; Minneapolis is among the first to propose a comprehensive local chapter for cannabis events.

Key details and next steps: Amy Lingo, manager for business licensing and consumer services, told the committee the ordinance intends to align local review with the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, require venue-specific approvals, and include buffering and visibility limits for combustible consumption. Josh Wilkinson, founder of Legacy Cup cannabis festival, told the committee his event drew nearly 12,000 attendees and urged flexibility to use park venues if the Parks Board will allow exemptions for city- and state-approved events. Ward 5 resident Anthony Newby said renters who cannot consume at home need safe, legal public options and urged the council to allow variances for thoughtfully planned events.

The committee did not close the public hearing and voted to continue consideration of the ordinance at the next Business, Housing and Zoning Committee meeting on Oct. 28. Staff said they will return with any additional comments received and further information about state licensing rollout.

Ending note: Committee members asked staff about how peer Minnesota cities are handling cannabis events and whether any unpermitted events have occurred in Minneapolis; staff said the Legacy Cup had gone through state review but that, to their knowledge, other events had not been permitted previously in the city. The hearing remains open for additional written and oral comment before final committee action.