HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 1679ORDINANCE NO. 1679
BEING AN INTERIM ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM ON THE PRODUCTION AND SALE OF
EDIBLE CANNABINOID PRODUCTS CONTAINING TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC) WITHIN THE CITY OF
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The City of Columbia Heights does herby ordain:
(a) Preamble
The City of Columbia Heights ("City") recognizes the significant public interest in new amendments to
chapter 151 and 152 of Minnesota State Statute. These laws took effect July 1, 2022 and make it legal
to sell edible products that contain certain amounts of hemp derived tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Further, the application of the new law has demonstrated a clear shortcoming of behalf of the City and
the City's code. For example, the City's code of ordinances lacks any regulations in the form of, zoning,
sales, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of THC containing products. Specifically, regulations
similar to those on other products such as alcohol or tobacco. The City is concerned that without a
temporary moratorium, new businesses and uses will expand significantly prior to the establishment of
necessary safety regulations and procedures.
Overall, the City Council finds it necessary to conduct an in-depth study of and effectuate changes to,
the City's Code of Ordinances. Changes that would regulate, enforce, and or license the sales, testing,
manufacturing, and distribution of edible cannabinoid products containing THC.
Upon completion of the foregoing study and the resulting changes that will be established, the City will
revoke the interim ordinance and enforce the newly adopted regulations and procedures.
(b) Moratorium Established; Scaoe
(1) In accordance with the above and pursuant to authority granted by Minn. Stat. § 462.355, the City
hereby establishes a moratorium on the production and sale edible cannabinoid products
containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) within the City of Columbia Heights.
(2) During the effective period of this interim ordinance, the City of Columbia Heights will prohibit the
production and sale edible cannabinoid products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) pending
the completion of the above referenced study and the adoption of appropriate official controls.
(3) The moratorium shall not apply to preexisting businesses selling or producing edible cannabinoid
products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) before the effective date of this ordinance.
(c) Enforcement
Any person, corporation, or other entity found to be in violation of this Ordinance
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The City may enforce this Ordinance by
mandamus, injunction, or other appropriate criminal or civil remedy in any court
of competent jurisdiction.
Ordinance 1679
City of Columbia Heights - Ordinance
(d) Term
Unless earlier rescinded by action of the City Council, the moratorium established
by this Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect for 12 months after its effective date. The
moratorium may be extended as provided in Minn. Stat. §462.355, subd. 4(d).
(e) Effective Date
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage.
First Reading:
August 8, 2022
Offered by:
Jacobs
Seconded by:
Buesgens
Roll Call:
All Ayes
Second Reading: August 22, 2022
Offered by: Jacobs
Seconded by: Novitsky
Roll Call: All Ayes, Murzyn Jr. Absent
Date of Passage: August 22, 2022
Attest:
ara Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary
Page 2
'W VA. W K M
sms.
VMMdia • .J•
Ordinance 1679
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1679
BEING AN INTERIM ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM ON THE PRODUCTION AND
SALE OF EDIBLE CANNABINOID PRODUCTS CONTAINING TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC)
WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The City Council for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota adopted Ordinance No. 1679 on
August 22, 2022.
The purpose of this ordinance is to establish, upon passage, a moratorium on the production
and sale of edible cannabinoid products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) within the city
of Columbia Heights. As an Interim ordinance this ordinance prohibits the described actions for
12 months after its passage dated August 22, 2022 and can only be extended with further
action by the city council described in state statute section 462.355. This ordinance does not
apply to preexisting businesses selling or producing these products prior to the passage date.
These businesses will be allowed to continue to operation as they were before the law went
into effect August 22, 2022.
This is a summary of Ordinance No. 1679. A copy of the entire text of the Ordinance is available
for public inspection during regular office hours at City Hall, by standard or electronic mail, or at
www.columbiaheightsmn.gov.
Attest:
A ada Marquez SirIkU Mayor
5 Ion, City Clerk/Council Secretary