This week, the Minnesota House began the floor-vote process for a bill that would legalize and regulate recreational marijuana for adults. Lawmakers are being asked to help smaller governments transition to any mandates. With Democrats holding majorities this session, political analysts say it appears likely a legalization bill for Minnesota will clear all the hurdles.
Alex Hassel, intergovernmental relations representative with the League of Minnesota Cities, said they do not have a stance on legalization itself, but added they have been closely following the debate. She said they are seeking provisions that do not take away from the bill’s intent but rather give local governments reasonable control for a successful rollout.
“Through our requests for more zoning authority, for revenue sharing – all we’re asking is that we’re going to be partners as local governments with the state,” Hassel said.
She acknowledged the revenue-sharing component could be an even bigger priority for rural communities, with those local governments needing more resources for things like compliance checks. Leading up to the floor votes, some of the League’s requests were only in one version, possibly setting the stage for both chambers to have come together to address differences.
While local control affects cities of all sizes, Hassel noted that a recreational marijuana law could be very complex for smaller communities. That includes figuring out where licensed…
