Crookston council approves low‑potency hemp edible retailer license amid safety concerns

The Crookston City Council approved a resolution granting a low‑potency hemp edible retailer license to Krooks Bar and Bottle Shop in a 5–2 vote during its Jan. 20, 2026, meeting after several council members raised safety and enforcement concerns.

The item had been removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion. Councilmembers debated whether the city could or should deny the license, with at least one member cautioning that data linkages between edible hemp products and traffic or crime exist and warrant a cautious approach. "There seem to be a lot of examples showing data of using these products with traffic violations with crime and I I I don't feel comfortable supporting something like this," said Councilmember Joseph.

Others noted legal limits on municipal authority. A council speaker summarized state law constraints, saying the city cannot limit the number of retailers selling low‑potency edible hemp products in Crookston even though it can limit marijuana dispensaries that sell the flower product. Council members also pointed to increased oversight and enforcement from the state Office of Cannabis Management and said the city plans to conduct compliance checks similar to those used for liquor and tobacco.

Despite concerns, the motion to approve the license passed on a roll call vote of 5 in favor and 2 opposed. The council did not adopt additional restrictions at the meeting; one speaker said denying a license could trigger an appeal process but provided no details on that process during the public meeting.

No new local ordinance limiting edible hemp retailers was adopted at the meeting; council discussion focused on how to balance local concerns with state law constraints and existing enforcement mechanisms.