Cannabis License
A new law enacted at the end of the 2023 legislative session legalizes adult–use cannabis in Minnesota and establishes a regulatory framework over the cannabis industry. The law establishes a new "Office of Cannabis Management” that will release applications, issue licenses, and develop regulations outlining how and when businesses can participate in the new adult-use industry in Minnesota.
Over the coming months, the new state agency will develop the regulatory framework for legal adult cannabis, and establish processes and timelines to apply for licenses.
You can read the full cannabis legalization bill on the Minnesota Legislature's website.
The City will provide further information regarding cannabis licensing as it becomes available. More information may also be available on the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management's website.
City of Hopkins Moratorium
On July 18, 2023, the City Council adopted a 120-day (to expire on November 24, 2023) moratorium to allow time for the City Council and staff to consider next steps and potential regulations related to the newly authorized cannabis legislation, including review of the Office of Cannabis Management’s (“OCM”) regulations and model ordinances.
Since that time, the OCM management has provided that it does not anticipate having either the administrative rulemaking process or model ordinance complete or will begin issuing licenses until the end of 2024 or the first quarter of 2025.
Staff is looking to extend the moratorium to allow the City to develop regulations on a known and stable timeline. View the full ordinance.
Cannabis Tax
Starting July 1, 2023, all sellers of taxable cannabis products must register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue to remit the new Cannabis Tax. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Revenue's website.
Proposed Ordinance 2023-1197
An ordinance amending Chapter 30 of the Hopkins City Code by adding a new section prohibiting cannabis and hemp use in public places and amending Chapter 32 by adding a new section to Chapter 32 prohibiting smoking in City parks