5 hours Ago By Isak Dinesen
CROOKSTON, Minn. — The city of Crookston may explore opening a municipal cannabis store. The Crookston City Council has already discussed the possibility as Minnesota cities will be allowed to explore those options starting in 2025.
ADVERTISEMENT "Does the council wish to pursue a municipal store?" Jeff Shoobridge, Crookston City Administrator, asked. That's the question on the table at the moment in Crookston, whether to pursue a license for a city-controlled cannabis store. So far, the answer is yes, with city leaders saying one of the upsides being extra sales tax revenue.
Many Minnesota communities have long operated city-run liquor stores. Shoobridge says they are in the infancy stages of discussing the topic, but some on the council believe a municipal cannabis store could be a money maker for Crookston. "The issuance of the license directly allows us to get an override on the state tax.
We're not allowed to tax any additional, but we get 8% of what the state collects," Shoobridge said. Since Minnesota's statutes for opening a municipal cannabis store are still being updated, Shoobridge said the city is still waiting for proper guidance on what they need to do. According to Minnesota's office of cannabis management, they may not have to wait long.
ADVERTISEMENT "We're working with the state (Revisor's Office); basically, we need them in order to finalize the rules and get them out for a final round of public comment. That will happen later this year," Josh Collins, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, said. The Minnesota Revisor's Office is a nonpartisan office of the Legislature that provides confidential drafting services of legislative and administrative documents, according to its website.
Opinions in Crookston are mixed so far. An anonymous letter sent to the Crookston City Council, and shared with WDAY News, said they are concerned about the potential of hindering growth of existing businesses and creating an uneven playing field. However, the owners of the Crookston THC business Canna Corners say they'd welcome competition.
"We feel those customers are going to stick with us no matter who opens across the street or downtown or with the actual smokable products. We're in it to help people, we're going to keep helping people," John Reitmeier, co-owner at Canna Corners, said. Should the city decide to go forward in 2025, they'd need to submit a business plan and set aside up to $3 million dollars for set-up costs.
ADVERTISEMENT The Office of Cannabis Management says it does not know how many municipalities are actively exploring this option. Minnesota only allows sale of non-intoxicating topical products and edible cannabinoid products..
