Stevens County approves retail registration for Vanier Vapes to sell low‑potency hemp products

The Stevens County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a retail registration for Vanier Vapes to sell low‑potency hemp edibles and beverages after staff said the applicant had completed local paperwork and paid the $125 registration fee.

County licensing staff explained that the 2019 federal farm bill opened the market for low‑potency hemp edibles and that Minnesota's cannabis law now requires sellers to apply for a state license. Staff said the state will allow vendors to continue selling while a state application is pending if the vendor can show it has applied, and that the county's retail registration is an annual, rolling renewal set by local ordinance.

"As long as you've applied, this queue is so backed up, we're going to allow you to continue to sell as long as you've applied and then have the retail registration locally," County staff (Steph) said during the discussion.

Board members asked about policing, fees and whether the county could limit the number of retailers. Staff said local regulation was intentionally limited under the county ordinance: the ordinance sets a retail registration and a fee that aligns with state statute; the county does not impose additional operating restrictions on location or packaging. Staff added the retail registration fees are intended to cover compliance costs (age verification checks) and likely will not generate net revenue.

After the discussion a motion to approve Vanier Vapes' registration was moved and seconded and carried on a roll‑call vote.

Votes at a glance: Miss Maestro Nielsen — aye; Pitsky — aye; Commissioner Annan — aye; Ann Waller — aye. Motion carries.