Minneapolis Park And Recreation Board Launches Public Comment Period For Draft Cannabis, Tobacco, And THC Policies

Minneapolis Park And Recreation Board Launches Public Comment Period For Draft Cannabis, Tobacco, And THC Policies

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has officially kicked off a public comment period for its proposed Tobacco and Cannabis Policy, alongside a separate THC Policy, as of Monday, according to MPRB's announcement. Aimed at updating and regulating the use and sale of cannabis and THC products in public spaces, this move opens up a sixty-day window, closing January 21, 2025, inviting feedback from the community.

The initiative seeks to thoroughly integrate cannabis within the existing Tobacco Policy, which will be rebranded accordingly, and to freshly introduce regulations governing the sales of THC-infused edibles and beverages. The State of Minnesota's legalization of cannabis last year has prompted the MPRB to promptly respond and to develop an approach that aligns with state law while addressing local concerns. The draft policies are available for review in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali, which reflects MPRB's efforts to ensure an inclusive public engagement process.

Participants who wish to weigh in can do so by filling out the public comment survey offered by MPRB. This period of public commentary is a pivotal step in a schedule that outlines the policy refinement process, which will extend into early next year. Following the close of the comment period, a compilation of public feedback will shape further policy revisions.

MPRB's approach intends to align with Chapter 63, H.F. 100—a piece of legislation passed during the 2023 legislative session that legalized the smoking and vaping of cannabis products on public property, albeit local jurisdictions have the right to impose their own restrictions. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board aims to round out the process with a public hearing and presentation of the draft policies to the board commissioners set for March 2025. For those interested in staying updated, MPRB encourages signing up for email notifications through their project page.

SOURCE: hoodline