Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – The Becker County Board unanimously approved a cannabis-use ordinance for the county after holding a public hearing and receiving no comments from the public during their meeting on Tuesday morning.
The new ordinance restricts the use of cannabis products to private property and residences and includes a provision that restricts the smoking and vaping of cannabis products in any location where the smoke or vapor could be inhaled by a minor.
Becker County cannabis-use ordinance, Aug. 15, 2023 by Michael Achterling on Scribd
Brian McDonald, county attorney for Becker County, explained the intent of the new ordinance to the Board.
“The intent, I believe, here would be to prohibit cannabis smoking in areas in the public, public forums,” said McDonald, during the meeting. “Areas that could affect other people essentially, unless you are on your own private property.
David Meyer, commissioner for District 2, which includes the city of Detroit Lakes, clarified the public-use restrictions for bar and restaurant owners.
“You can’t smoke it where alcohol is served and anywhere on the premises,” said Meyer. “If you are at a restaurant, you cannot smoke it outside where you could smoke cigarettes. It’s considered a public place where the public could gather at.”
Violations of the Becker County cannabis-use ordinance are considered a petty misdemeanor and punishable by a $300 fine.
Private Becker County establishments who wish to have cannabis-use on their property must apply for a license through the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, which isn’t expected to issue any permits until 2025.
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