This bill (S.F. No. 2142) seeks to amend Minnesota's cannabis regulations by granting more control to local governments over cannabis businesses while maintaining the legality of cannabis possession and use at the state level.

Key Provisions:

1. Local Authority to Regulate Cannabis Businesses:

   • Local governments cannot prohibit the possession, transportation, or use of legal cannabis products.
     
   • However, they may prohibit the retail sale of cannabis products and the operation of cannabis businesses within their jurisdiction.
     
   • Local governments can enact zoning restrictions, such as prohibiting cannabis businesses within 1,000 feet of schools or 500 feet of daycare centers, residential treatment facilities, or public parks with facilities regularly used by minors (e.g., playgrounds, athletic fields).
     

2. Support for Local Ordinances:

   • The Office of Cannabis Management will assist local governments by:
     
     • Developing model ordinances for zoning and operational restrictions.
       
     • Creating standardized registration procedures for cannabis retail businesses.
       
     • Establishing model compliance policies for local inspections.
       

3. Interim Ordinances:

   • Local governments may adopt temporary bans on cannabis businesses while conducting studies or considering regulations.
     
   • These bans can last up to two years from adoption.
     

4. Local Zoning Certification:

   • Local governments must certify within 30 days whether a proposed cannabis business complies with local zoning and building codes.
     
   • If they fail to respond, the state may proceed with issuing the license.
     

5. Complaint and Enforcement Measures:

   • A fast-track complaint system will be established for local governments to report violations.
     
   • The Office of Cannabis Management must respond within 7 days to general complaints and within 1 business day if a cannabis business poses an urgent public health or safety threat.
     

6. Limits on Cannabis Business Registrations:

   • Local governments can limit the number of cannabis storefronts but must allow at least one registered retailer per 12,500 residents.
     
   • If a county meets this threshold, individual cities or towns within the county are not required to issue additional registrations.
     

7. Tribal Authority:

   • The state cannot issue a cannabis business license in Indian country without Tribal government approval.
     

8. Reimbursement of Application Fees:

   • If a cannabis business applied for a state license but was later blocked by a local government ban or interim ordinance, the Office of Cannabis Management must refund the application fee.
     

Summary:

This bill balances state cannabis legalization with greater local government control over business operations. It allows municipalities to ban cannabis sales and businesses while ensuring that some retail access remains available. Additionally, it includes provisions for zoning regulations, fast-tracked complaint handling, and reimbursement for businesses affected by local restrictions.