Knowledge Base

Background

During the 2023 State Legislative Session, Chapter 342 was passed establishing a regulatory framework for the State’s new legal recreational cannabis industry.

Local entities to play a critical role in the licensing process, serving as an approval checkpoint through a municipal registration process, before final licensure is authorized for cannabis businesses applying for State licensure.

The City of Rochester on November 18, 2024, delegated its authority to regulate retail cannabis to Olmsted County Public Health

For more information,

visit: Cannabis regulations in Olmsted County

call Olmsted County Public Health at 507-328-7500 

Zoning 

Zoning outlines for retail cannabis licenses can be found on page 119 of the City of Rochester Unified Development Code. 

Eligible Locations within the City 

For a quick review of which locations are eligible for retail cannabis licensure, please follow the link below to the Eligibility Map. 

Retail Cannabis Location Eligibility Map

For more information, visit: City of Rochester Cannabis Ordinance

Cannabis business registration and event permits

If you are interested in selling or hosting temporary cannabis events in Olmsted County, you will need to follow applicable state and local regulations. The link below offers more information about state licensing.

Office of Cannabis Management License Types

If you have questions about cannabis regulations or business permits in Olmsted County, please contact:

 CannabisInquiries@olmstedcounty.gov 

Regulations

As of August 1, 2023, Minnesota allows adults 21 and over to possess and use cannabis. However, local units of government may impose additional restrictions, such as prohibiting use in public places. Cannabis businesses are regulated by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, and must comply with both state and local requirements. 

Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under federal law.

This means: 

• Cannabis use, possession, and transportation across state lines are illegal under federal law. 
• Cannabis businesses cannot use conventional banking methods to buy or sell cannabis. They must rely on cash payments.