City of Grand Marais adopts cannabis ordinance in preparation for August 1 legalization

Kalli Hawkins | August 1, 2023

The Aug. 1 legalization of marijuana has officially arrived in Minnesota, becoming the 23rd state in the U.S. to legalize cannabis.

The anticipated Aug. date has brought enthusiasm and hesitancy to individuals in Grand Marais and the state. In preparation for the legalization date, local city and county officials have been busy preparing ordinances and working with law enforcement to establish enforcement regulations about cannabis.

While marijuana will be legal to possess and transport starting Aug. 1, legal sales will not go into effect until Jan. 2025. In addition, beginning Aug. 1, individuals can grow up to eight cannabis plants in their residences.

Leading up to the anticipated cannabis date, a handful of local officials, including City Administrator Mike Roth, County Administrator James Joerke, County Commissioner Dave Mills, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen, County Attorney Molly Hicken, and Grand Marais Mayor Tracy Benson, held a meeting on June 8 to discuss a temporary moratorium until further details of the law were discovered.

“We talked about some of our major concerns,” Grand Marais Mayor Tracy Benson said. The significant concerns discussed included increasing education for youth at the schools and for health care providers, zoning, ordinances, and licensing.

Following the June 8 meeting, the city of Grand Marais moved forward with drafting an ordinance that coincides with the current alcohol ordinance. The second reading of the new marijuana ordinance was held during the July 26 city council meeting and is now in effect, just in time for the upcoming annual Fisherman’s Picnic starting Aug. 3.

“So we are all ready as best we can,” Benson said. The ordinance does not permit cannabis use in public spaces such as streets, sidewalks, alleys, parking lots, parks, and open spaces.

“We want to make sure that everyone feels welcome and enjoys our public spaces here in Grand Marais at the best time of the year and one of our favorite summer celebrations.”

Benson went on to say, “We understand the enthusiasm and maybe some of the weariness for people. We’re trying to put together a really good communication plan using all of our local resources.” Following Fisherman’s Picnic, local officials will hold another meeting to discuss future county and city plans regarding marijuana regulations on Aug. 10.

The city of Grand Marais provides a map below the current cannabis ordinance.

The City of Grand Marais has adopted an ordinance to provide additional regulations prohibiting the use of marijuana consumer products in certain public places in the Grand Marais “downtown” area (the DW, H61, Protected Resources, and MU Zone Districts.) These restrictions do not apply to establishments or events licensed by the City, private residences, or private property unless the owner explicitly prohibits the use. These rules are designed to mimic existing alcohol consumption ordinance.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Grand Marais Mayor Tracy Benson following the July 26 city council meeting about the newly adopted cannabis ordinance. Audio from the interview is below.

WTIP also spoke with Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen and the Communications Director Patrick Knight about the new cannabis ordinance. Audio below.