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Council holds first reading of cannabis ordinance; members ask whether city can opt out
Summary
On first reading, the council considered Ordinance 47 to regulate cannabis and lower-potency hemp edibles. Councilmember Casey asked whether state law compels the city to allow retail cannabis; Vice President Riapel said county population thresholds affect whether the city must host a retailer.
The East Grand Forks City Council held the first reading of Ordinance 47 (Fourth Series) on June 17, proposing amendments to city code title 11, chapter 120 to regulate cannabis retailers and lower-potency hemp edible businesses.
Council member Casey asked whether state law requires the city to allow cannabis retail and whether the council could simply choose to ban retail sales within city limits. "Is there a law that actually requires that uh we offer the ability to sell cannabis in our city? Can we not pass an ordinance and say that we do not want to sell it here?" Casey asked.
Council Vice President Tim Riael responded that the state statute includes a population-based threshold and that county capacity matters: if the county already meets the statutory threshold of one retailer per 12,500 residents, the city could choose not to open a retail location. Riapel said the pending city ordinance clarifies the city's procedures, notes a limit of up to two retailers in specified zoning areas (one in the downtown business area and one in the commercial highway area), and addresses an earlier omission related to temporary cannabis events.
The ordinance passed first reading and the council scheduled a second reading at the next regular city council meeting.
Council members did not finalize regulatory details at this meeting; the second reading is expected to be the next opportunity for additional questions or amendments.
