Becker County sets public hearing Dec. 2 on low-potency hemp/THC retail registration and fee schedule

Becker County commissioners voted to set a public hearing for Dec. 2 at 09:30 to consider adopting a county registration and fee schedule for low-potency hemp and certain THC edible and beverage retail sales.

County staff said Minnesota Statute 342.22 requires retail establishments that sell low-potency hemp edibles or similar products to register with the city, county or township where they operate. Several retailers and townships have asked the county to clarify a registration process and fee schedule for businesses in unincorporated areas or townships that have deferred authority to the county. Staff said the draft application and fee schedule generally follow state categories and maximums, and that compliance checks would be part of annual oversight.

Commissioners discussed whether the county should adopt a blanket permissibility (making low-potency items permissible countywide) with an annual registration fee and compliance checks performed by deputies, or require individual board review for each retail registration. Several commissioners requested that staff circulate model ordinances and sample fee schedules from other jurisdictions before the Dec. 2 hearing.

Motion details: The board set a public hearing for Dec. 2 at 09:30, with the hearing to address both low-potency hemp retail registration and broader cannabis ordinance/fee issues.

Context and next steps: The county will publish notice as required (10 days before the hearing) and staff will provide sample model ordinances and fee options ahead of the hearing for commissioner review.