The State of Minnesota passed MN Statutes Chapter 342 in 2023, effectively legalizing the growing, processing, and distribution of cannabis or cannabinoid products. The primary regulation of cannabis businesses will be carried out by the State’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Under the State Statute, Douglas County has the ability to regulate the time, place, and manner of Cannabis businesses in Douglas County in coordination with cities. The County is seeking to move forward with regulation of such businesses through an amendment of the Zoning Ordinance and adoption of a Cannabis retail sales, event and use ordinance..
On March 25, 2025 at 6:40 pm, the Douglas County Planning Advisory Commission will hold a public hearing in Conference Room C located on the second floor of the Douglas County Courthouse, 305 8th Avenue West, Alexandria, Minnesota, on proposed amendments to Sections II, V, and VIII of the Zoning Ordinance. The amendments propose to establish permit requirements and standards for Cannabis businesses, including production, processing, warehousing, testing, transport, and retail sales of Cannabis and products containing Cannabis, lower-potency hemp edibles, and hemp-derived consumer products.
On April 1, 2025 at 9:01 am, the Douglas County Board will hold a public hearing in the Board Room of the Douglas County Administration Building, 821 Cedar Street, Alexandria, Minnesota. The proposed ordinance provides for the regulation of cannabis retail businesses and events through the implementation of a registration process, and for the assurance of compliance with County and State standards by which businesses must be operated and events held. Furthermore, it proposes to regulate the use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products in public places and places of public accommodation, superseding Douglas County Ordinance #110723.
Copies of the draft ordinances can be found here: Cannabis Retail Sales, Events, and Use Ordinance and Cannabis Zoning Ordinance
Or at the Land & Resource Management Office or by contacting the Coordinator Department. Questions about the ordinances can be directed to Dave Rush, Land & Resource Management Director at daveru@co.douglas.mn.us