Ham Lake Takes First Step On Cannabis Business Regulations

Ham Lake Takes First Step on Cannabis Business Regulations

HAM LAKE, Minn. – The Ham Lake City Council has begun the formal process of establishing local regulations for cannabis businesses, with the first reading of proposed ordinances concerning retail operations and associated fees held during its meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025.

The proposed ordinances, presented by the City Attorney, address the framework for licensing and regulating cannabis retail establishments within the city limits, as well as outlining a potential fee structure. This initial reading marks a key step in the city's response to the statewide legalization of adult-use cannabis in Minnesota.

Further shaping the city's approach, the Ham Lake Planning Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The hearing focused on proposed amendments to Article 9 of the Ham Lake City Code, specifically to add "Cannabis Retail Business as a Permitted Uses in CD-1 (Commercial Development I) zoning." The recommendations from the Planning Commission following this hearing will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration as they deliberate on the ordinances.

The City Council, which includes Mayor Brian Kirkham and Councilmembers Jim Doyle, Mike Van Kirk, Andrew Hallberg, and Al Parranto, is expected to hold further readings and discussions before any final ordinances are adopted. The specific details of the proposed ordinances, including potential restrictions on location, hours of operation, and the number of licenses to be issued, along with the particulars of the fee schedule, were discussed during the May 19th meeting.

MinneapoliMedia