Local officials available to the public on August 30 to answer questions about cannabis laws

Although the Aug. 1 marijuana legalization date has come and gone, many questions and unknowns remain within small towns and cities regarding how to navigate the new cannabis laws. 

In anticipation of Aug. 1, the Grand Marais city council passed a cannabis ordinance that mirrors the existing alcohol ordinance. A handful of city and county 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, have held multiple meetings to discuss implementing a temporary moratorium and entertaining the idea of a county-owned dispensary in the future. 

While the local officials navigate the new laws and possibilities, many have agreed to make themselves available to the public to answer questions and address concerns. On Aug. 30, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Chamber Exchange event at Studio 21 at 9:30 a.m. for individuals in the community and business members to have a conversation with local officials about cannabis. 

Chamber Exchange officials will include Grand Marais Mayor Tracy Benson, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen, County Attorney Molly Hicken, and Commissioner Ann Sullivan.

“I know there are lots of conversations at the county and in the city,” said Linda Jurek, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce executive director. “So come to Studio 21 at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 30 to ask all your questions and hear from an expert panel.”

WTIP’s CJ Heithoff spoke with Linda Jurek, the executive director of the Cook County Chamber of Commerce, about an August update on Chamber events, including the Aug. 30 Chamber Exchange event. Audio below. 

Kalli Hawkins August 23, 2023