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Adult-use cannabis

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In 2023, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational use of marijuana by adults. The law provides for the following:

  • Authorizes possession and use of small amounts by people older than 21
  • Establishes a framework to license all phases of the cannabis industry
  • Establishes criminal penalties for violations

After soliciting public feedback and holding a study session on the topic in February 2024, the City of Minnetonka is proposing three city ordinances related to adult-use cannabis.

Under the proposed registration of cannabis retail businesses ordinance:

  • All cannabis retail businesses must register with the city.
  • Businesses must satisfy the requirements of state law and complies with the city’s zoning ordinance.
  • The city will collect registration fees, in the amounts allowed by state law. Registrations must be renewed annually.
  • The city (the police department) will conduct compliance checks at least annually. Failures are reported to the community development director, who must notify the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The community development director may suspend and reinstate registrations as provided by law.

Under the proposed zoning ordinance:

  • Staff is proposing amendments to several sections of the zoning ordinance to clarify where cannabis businesses would be allowed as permitted, accessory, or conditional uses.

Under the proposed cannabis use in public spaces ordinance:

  • Cannabis or hemp-related products may not be used (in any manner):
    • Within 50 feet of specified city-maintained athletic facilities, park shelters or other park buildings (such as restrooms).
    • Within 50 feet of an outdoor entertainment facility (the amphitheater) while the facility is in use.
    • On any part of a property with city-operated buildings, other than typical park buildings. This would include the property on which city campus buildings are located, even though they are within a designated public park.
  • Smoking and vaping is not allowed.
    • Within 50 feet of a publicly-operated transit station;
    • Within 25 feet of a public bus stop; or
    • On any city park property, including trails within a park property.
  • Areas that are not regulated, in which any use of the products would be allowed, include trails located outside of public parks, streets, and privately-owned properties that are generally accessible to the public.

Prior to drafting a final ordinance for the city council, the city is open to community feedback and information regarding the proposed ordinance. You can share your feedback through Oct. 23 below.

In 2023, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational use of marijuana by adults. The law provides for the following:

  • Authorizes possession and use of small amounts by people older than 21
  • Establishes a framework to license all phases of the cannabis industry
  • Establishes criminal penalties for violations

After soliciting public feedback and holding a study session on the topic in February 2024, the City of Minnetonka is proposing three city ordinances related to adult-use cannabis.

Under the proposed registration of cannabis retail businesses ordinance:

  • All cannabis retail businesses must register with the city.
  • Businesses must satisfy the requirements of state law and complies with the city’s zoning ordinance.
  • The city will collect registration fees, in the amounts allowed by state law. Registrations must be renewed annually.
  • The city (the police department) will conduct compliance checks at least annually. Failures are reported to the community development director, who must notify the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The community development director may suspend and reinstate registrations as provided by law.

Under the proposed zoning ordinance:

  • Staff is proposing amendments to several sections of the zoning ordinance to clarify where cannabis businesses would be allowed as permitted, accessory, or conditional uses.

Under the proposed cannabis use in public spaces ordinance:

  • Cannabis or hemp-related products may not be used (in any manner):
    • Within 50 feet of specified city-maintained athletic facilities, park shelters or other park buildings (such as restrooms).
    • Within 50 feet of an outdoor entertainment facility (the amphitheater) while the facility is in use.
    • On any part of a property with city-operated buildings, other than typical park buildings. This would include the property on which city campus buildings are located, even though they are within a designated public park.
  • Smoking and vaping is not allowed.
    • Within 50 feet of a publicly-operated transit station;
    • Within 25 feet of a public bus stop; or
    • On any city park property, including trails within a park property.
  • Areas that are not regulated, in which any use of the products would be allowed, include trails located outside of public parks, streets, and privately-owned properties that are generally accessible to the public.

Prior to drafting a final ordinance for the city council, the city is open to community feedback and information regarding the proposed ordinance. You can share your feedback through Oct. 23 below.

  • City council to consider ordinances related to adult-use cannabis

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    After soliciting public feedback and holding a study session in February 2024, the City of Minnetonka is proposing three city ordinances related to adult-use cannabis.

    The ordinances will be introduced at the Oct. 7 city council meeting. Once introduced, public comment will be accepted on Minnetonka Matters through Oct. 23.

    The ordinances are available for viewing on Minnetonka Matters.

  • February 2024

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    Minnetonka city staff researched and collected community feedback regarding an ordinance limiting cannabis use in public places. Input was received in three ways: outreach to tobacco retailers in the city, pop-up events, and an online survey hosted by Minnetonka Matters.


    • Tobacco Retailers: There are 27 retailers in the city that sell tobacco products. These retailers were invited to complete a survey (identical to the online survey) about where cannabis should be allowed to be used.
      • One retailer responded and provided feedback that the city should prohibit smoking or vaping of cannabis (edibles allowed) at bus/transit stops and at city properties/facilities. The retailer did not support restricting use on sidewalks, parks or trails.
    • Pop-up events: There were five pop-up events. The pop-up events asked questions about the locations where the city should or should not allow cannabis use.
      • Staff or the information boards were present at the joint Park Board and City Council meeting (Sept. 6, 2023); Farmer’s Market (Sept. 26, 2023); Williston Center (Oct. 5-10, 2023); The Marsh (October 5-10, 2023) City-Wide Open House (Oct. 10, 2023).
      • The most input was received at Williston, followed by the City-Wide Open House.
        • Overall, 693 dots were placed in the location categories that would not allow the use of cannabis in any form.
        • There were 438 dots in the location categories for prohibiting the smoking of cannabis but allowing edibles to be consumed.
        • There were 215 dots that supported no restrictions.
    • Online Survey:The online survey was available from Sept. 29 until Oct. 31, 2023.
      • There were 930 responses provided for the survey.
      • The demographics from the survey respondents indicated 88% were Minnetonka residents.
      • The respondents included a fairly even cross-section of age (slightly higher in the 65 and older category); 85% of the respondents identified as white, and slightly more females answered the survey than males (.6% identified as non-binary/other).
      • Depending on the public location identified, the majority (76-89%) of respondents did not support smoking or vaping cannabis.
      • A little less than half of those same respondents were supportive of allowing the consumption of edibles.
      • When asked about private property with public access, respondents were more mixed, changing the respondents’ view for no restrictions to about 40%.
      • Many of the respondents were concerned about secondhand smoke and the use of cannabis in front of minors.
      • There was also concern for access to cannabis by youth and the smell of cannabis smoke.


    See attached survey results for more detailed information and open-ended comments provided.


  • December 2023

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    Feedback was provided through an online survey and at community events in the fall of 2023. City staff is currently preparing an overview of the results along with information on the impact of the new law. The city council is scheduled to receive the staff report at a study session in February.

Page last updated: 24 Oct 2024, 07:15 AM