The Renville County Board of Commissioners is preparing to propose an ordinance to regulate cannabis sales in the county. During a work session on April 1, the board discussed potential monetary penalties for violations, showing varied opinions on the severity of these penalties.
Commissioners debated the fines for first, second, and third violations, including whether to suspend or revoke the registration of retailers selling high-potency cannabis after a third violation. Violations could consist of selling to individuals under 21 or failing to adhere to operational rules. Currently, the board is contemplating fines of $500 for a first violation, $1,500 for a second, and permit revocation for a third offense related to high-potency retail dispensaries. Additionally, they are considering a $2,500 fine for those selling high-potency cannabis without proper registration with the county.
The commissioners plan to adopt a draft ordinance at their upcoming meeting on April 8 and hold a public hearing on May 13. They emphasized the importance of public input in shaping the ordinance. County Administrator Lisa Herges noted that feedback from the public hearing could provide valuable insights, potentially leading to further revisions of the proposed regulations.
The board largely agrees with recommendations from the county’s public health department, which suggests limiting retail registrations for high-potency cannabis sales to two. Public Health Director Sara Benson voiced concerns about saturation in the market, highlighting that Renville County is relatively small. She mentioned the expectation that the Lower Sioux Community will establish a cannabis dispensary nearby.
While the commissioners can restrict the number of retail dispensaries to two, municipalities within the county can still open dispensaries without counting toward this limit. Benson indicated that currently, one municipality is contemplating its own cannabis regulations, while another has yet to decide. Four municipalities have chosen to delegate their authority to the county, and no townships have expressed interest in creating their own rules.
To ensure compliance, the commissioners have assigned Renville County Public Health to oversee cannabis sales, similar to their role with tobacco sales. The cultivation of cannabis will be monitored by the county’s zoning and planning office, which is part of Renville County Environmental Services.
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