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Lobbyist outlines option for city-owned cannabis store under updated state law
Summary
A registered lobbyist told Saint Joseph council that state law updated in 2023–24 allows cities to own or partner to operate a cannabis retail store (non-exclusive), and said about a dozen Minnesota cities are considering the option; no formal proposal was presented.
Dan Pollock, a registered lobbyist with Lockridge Rendell Nowen, told the council that recent changes to state law allow municipalities to own and operate a cannabis retail store or to partner with an operator. "Cities are allowed to, own and operate or do so through partnership, with an operator," Pollock said, adding that a municipal store cannot be an exclusive retailer the way some liquor arrangements work.
Pollock said the option could generate non-tax revenue and economic development opportunities for communities like Saint Joseph. In response to council questions about local interest, Pollock said he was aware of "at least a dozen cities" in Minnesota that were looking seriously at the option, though he said none of those specific proposals was before the council tonight.
The council did not vote or schedule a formal proposal; Pollock offered to answer questions and said his firm could help the city work quickly if the council wanted to pursue the option. City staff and council members did not commit to a course of action during the meeting.
