Background

The Saint Paul City Council directed staff to study cannabis and to develop Zoning Code amendments for new cannabis businesses in Saint Paul.

The newly-created Minnesota State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will begin licensing cannabis businesses in 2025 and cities will be partially responsible for regulating those new businesses. Read about the new State Law, Chapter 342 Cannabis.

Proposed Saint Paul Zoning Code Amendments

Staff used rules and framework in the existing Zoning Code to accommodate and regulate the new cannabis business operations licensed under the OCM.

  1. Hemp-derived edible sales (currently legal in MN) would be regulated as general retail. Current edible/hemp businesses will likely be able to continue operating as they have been, within new regulations from the OCM.
  2. Cannabis retail sales would require a 300-foot separation from schools, with downtown exempt.
  3. Limited cannabis production and cultivation (under 15,000 square feet) would be allowed in mixed-use and commercial districts.
  4. Industrial scale production and cultivation (over 15,000 square feet) would be allowed in industrial districts.

A public hearing on the proposed amendments is expected to be held at the Saint Paul Planning Commission on Friday, June 7. Read the Zoning Code amendment and research memo.

To submit a comment for the public hearing, or if you have questions about the proposed amendments, please contact staff at cannabis@stpaul.gov.

Timeline for Proposed Code Amendment Review

Updated April 18, 2924

DateAction
Friday, June 7Planning Commission holds a public hearing on the proposed amendments
Wednesday, June 19Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee (CNPC) reviews public testimony memo and any staff revisions, and makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission
Friday, July 19Planning Commission votes on proposed CNPC amendments makes a recommendation to the City Council
Wednesday, August 7First read at City Council and staff presentation
Wednesday, August 14Second read at City Council and a second public hearing on proposed amendments
Wednesday, August 21Third read at City Council and potential final adoption
Saturday, September 21Potential effective date (30 days after it is signed by Mayor and published)

Last Edited: April 18, 2024