Sherburn council asks staff to research low‑potency hemp‑derived THC beverage sales at municipal liquor store

City staff briefed the Sherburn council on April 6 about the possibility of selling low‑potency hemp‑derived THC beverages at the municipal liquor store and asked whether the council wanted staff to investigate further.

The clerk explained the state’s framework for municipal liquor stores: municipalities may, with council authorization, sell a narrow category of low‑potency hemp‑derived THC beverages but may not sell adult‑use cannabis products or edibles in the liquor store. “If the city wishes to allow THC beverage sales at the municipal liquor store, it would require council authorization,” the clerk said, noting licensing, age‑verification, product sourcing, labeling and storage requirements.

Jamie Lighting, the municipal liquor store manager, told council that sales representatives and customers have asked whether the store would enroll; she said the store could make space for beverages and that the product could be a revenue generator. The clerk added typical product limits discussed elsewhere: a definition of low‑potency hemp THC as less than 0.3% hemp‑derived THC on a dry weight basis, generally allowing up to 5 milligrams per edible serving and up to 10 milligrams per beverage serving (and a maximum per package), though the clerk cautioned staff had not completed a detailed regulatory or fee analysis.

Council members asked about licensing fees, competition with a new Main Street business expected to sell cannabis, and whether the city should pilot sales for a year. The council directed staff and the municipal liquor store manager to research licensing costs, regulatory requirements and market impacts and return with recommendations. If timing requires action before the next regular meeting, council suggested calling a special session to decide before license windows close.