Wabasha County approves two cannabis retail conditional use permits, cites limited local authority

The Wabasha County Board of Commissioners approved two conditional use permits (CUPs) for cannabis retail businesses proposed in downtown Wabasha after county planning staff outlined state regulatory requirements and recommended conditions intended to reduce impacts on the surrounding area.

The county approved a CUP submitted by Hunter Capital on behalf of Hunter Game LLC for 330 Second Street West and a separate CUP for a retail business proposed at 234 Main Street West submitted by Brandon Van Asen. Both permits were recommended for approval by the county planning commission (each by a 2–1 vote) and were approved by the board on voice votes during the meeting.

Planning staff told the board that state guidance since 2023 has limited what local governments may regulate, and that the county’s ordinance sets a cap and time‑place‑manner restrictions rather than a full prohibition. Joe, planning and zoning staff, summarized statutory requirements cited in the meeting (recorded in the transcript as “Minnesota statutes 3 42 dot 24 subdivision 4”) that address odor control and require cannabis…