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Becker County sets cannabis registration fees, makes low‑potency hemp sales permissible
Summary
The county adopted a registration and renewal fee schedule at the statutory maximum and voted to treat low‑potency hemp as a permissible retail product (with licensure and compliance checks), aligning rules with neighboring cities and state licensing timelines.
Becker County commissioners on Tuesday adopted a retail registration and renewal fee schedule for cannabis and voted to make low‑potency hemp a permissible licensable product in county retail locations.
Planning and zoning staff member Kyle explained the distinction: "Low potency hemp is defined as basically 5 milligrams or less in a serving," he said, describing state licensing requirements and recommended retail safeguards such as 21+ sales and behind‑counter placement. Kyle told the board that some businesses — liquor stores and gas stations — had sold these products prior to state cannabis legalization and that the state is now requiring licensure.
Commissioner Erica moved to adopt registration and renewal fees at the maximum level permitted by state statute and amended the motion to require that registrants follow all applicable statutes and compliance protocols. The motion carried on a roll‑call/voice vote.
The board then considered zoning implications for low‑potency hemp. Commissioner Nelson moved to make low‑potency hemp a permissible use (rather than a conditional use) provided the businesses obtain the required registration and adhere to statutory safeguards; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff noted the county’s proposal mirrors Detroit Lakes’ approach and will allow existing retailers to continue under licensure rather than requiring conditional‑use hearings for each site.
The board directed staff to ensure the county’s registration language follows state statutes (Minn. Stat. §342.22 was cited in the discussion) and to clarify retail accessibility rules (behind counter vs. open shelf). No appeals or further public hearings on this fee schedule were scheduled; staff will return with ordinance language if needed.
Next steps: staff to finalize registration language reflecting statutory requirements and compliance checks, and to update the county webpage and enforcement guidance for retailers.
