Beginning August 1, Minnesota legalized the adult use of cannabis, and people ages 21 and up can now possess up to two ounces of cannabis and consume it without legal penalty. This month, the City of Oakdale passed additional ordinances, as permitted by Minnesota Statutes, related to smoking cannabis in public and regulation of cannabis businesses in Oakdale.
Smoking cannabis or hemp products is now prohibited in public places in Oakdale. A “public place” is defined as any indoor or outdoor area that is used or held out for use by the public whether owned or operated by public or private interests. This includes sidewalks, trails, parks, parking lots and any indoor space as prohibited by the Minnesota Clean Air Act. A violation of this ordinance is considered a petty misdemeanor.
Cannabis may be legally possessed and smoked in a private residence or yard, on private property unless the owner prohibits it, and on the premises of an establishment or event licensed by the state to permit on-site consumption. Low-potency hemp edibles, such as THC gummies, may still be consumed in public.
Additionally, the City has passed an interim ordinance imposing a moratorium that temporarily prohibits the establishment and operation of all cannabis businesses within Oakdale until state regulations are finalized, which is expected in 2025. It also authorizes a study on potential municipal regulations of cannabis businesses to allow the City to review yet-to-be-published model ordinances and administrative rules from the newly-established Office of Cannabis Management prior to making any regulatory decisions, including whether to impose zoning restrictions.
Currently-operating medical cannabis businesses are exempt from the temporary ordinance. Sales of low-potency cannabinoids continue to be legal in Oakdale for eligible businesses with a City license. Exclusive liquor stores may now sell THC-infused beverages with a proper license per a City ordinance.
For more information about cannabis use and sales in Oakdale, visit our cannabis webpage.