County seeks input on THC ordinance at Oct. 18 hearing

An ordinance to allow the sale of hemp-derived edible products in Rock County is drafted and ready for public input.
A public hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, in the commissioners’ room at the Rock County Courthouse in Luverne.
The subcommittee appointed by the county commissioners recently finalized the 12-page proposed ordinance, which was presented to commissioners at their Sept. 20 meeting.
“Is it perfect? Probably not,” said County Administrator Kyle Oldre. “Will it change next year? Yes.”
The county passed a one-year moratorium on the sale of hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in response to the state’s legalizing the sale of psychotropic cannabinoid food and beverages in the state on July 1.
The state, however, did not provide rules or controls for the sales for counties and local municipalities to follow.
Adopting the local moratorium gives the county time to consider rules and regulations similar to those in place for tobacco products.
Subcommittee members included commissioners Sherri Thompson and Stan Williamson, county attorney Jeff Haubrich, county sheriff Evan Verbrugge and Oldre.
Shortly after the county passed the moratorium, Luverne business owner Jennifer Wipf presented information to the county board.
She explained the various cannabis plants and what chemicals are identified as cannabinoids along with products must list lab results and limits the volume sold.
Wipf said she’s followed these state guidelines, but since the local moratorium adoption, she’s not able to sell any of her product in Rock County.
She requested grandfathering her business in to allow her to resume her business and sell her products.
Commissioners tabled Wipf’s request until additional information could be researched.
According to the ordinance, it sets forth licensing requirements in an effort to prevent children and young adults (anyone younger than 21) from purchasing and using hemp-derived products.
Hemp-derived products have become increasingly common and are available in a variety of flavors and forms that appeal to children and young adults and may lead to negative health consequences, the proposed ordinance stated.
To view the proposed “Rock County Hemp Derived Products Ordinance,” go to the Rock County website at www.co.rock.mn.us.