Cannabis hearing set for Sept. 19

On Sept. 19 Rock County Commissioners will hear public comment on the proposed ordinance for Public Use of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products in Public Places.
The hearing will be part of the commissioners’ regular Tuesday meeting that begins at 9 a.m. at the courthouse in Luverne.
The four-page proposed use ordinance can be viewed on the county’s website, www.co.rock.mn.us
County attorney Jeff Haubrich presented the draft ordinance to commissioners Tuesday morning.
He said he drafted Rock County’s ordinance using information from the Stearns County ordinance and suggestions from the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association.
Each community in Rock County was invited to contribute to the ordinance that, once adopted, will be effective countywide.
“We heard back from all the communities, with Luverne being the only one providing input,” said County Administrator Kyle Oldre. “The bulk of them said to make it as restrictive as we can.”
In essence, cannabis and cannabis-derived products can legally be used by anyone over the age of 21 (with no minors present) in a private residence, on private property or at an establishment or event that’s been licensed through the state of Minnesota.
“Essentially you can use it in your own home,” said Commissioner Greg Burger. “For me that was the original intent of the ordinance.”
Recreational cannabis use became legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1.
On July 25 Rock County Commissioners met with council representatives from the cities of Luverne, Hills, Beaver Creek, Steen, Magnolia, Kenneth, Jasper and Hardwick about the new state statute.
The group agreed to support a countywide ordinance that prevents cannabis use in public places.
“Public” in the proposed use ordinance is defined as “a public park or trail, public street or sidewalk, any enclosed, indoor area used by the general public, including, but not limited to, theaters, restaurants, bars, food establishments, gyms, common areas, places licensed to sell intoxicating liquor, wine or malt beverages, retail businesses, gyms, common areas in buildings, public shopping areas, auditoriums, arenas, or other places of public accommodation.”
Violation of the proposed use ordinance is a petty misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $300.