October 2022

Discussed at Tuesday’s Lake County board meeting was the new Minnesota law regarding legalized marijuana or THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol–the primary intoxicant of the cannabis plant) products. The new law essentially modifies Minnesota’s list of controlled substances to exclude “industrial hemp” products but include edible and drinkable products containing no more than five milligrams of THC per serving and no more than 50 milligrams of THC per package. The law does not distinguish between specific types of THC. Currently THC product sales are sold with qualifications around packaging, marketing to minors, and resemblance to food products. It is possible for cities and counties to create ordinances structuring licensing and sales. Currently THC products are regulated under the same zoning regulations that regulate other products. Some Minnesota cities and counties are creating ordinances around zoning retail sales relating to transient or pop-up sales and delivery. County Administrator Matt Huddleston brought this information to the Board to raise awareness, not to suggest that anything needs to be done. Board members have not been hearing concerns from residents about the new Minnesota law, which took effect on July 1, 2022. In other business, the Board discussed the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Harbors Resort Project and determined that a full Environmental Impact Study would not be necessary. The EAW considered stormwater runoff and utilizing pervious pavement to promote filtration and defined the required wetland replacement. Shoreline restoration has already occurred at the site which has significantly improved the erosion that was already happening. Over 100 native trees have also been spade and replanted to initiate revegetation; wildlife impact, while “unavoidable,” is not predicted to affect any endangered species. Any public concerns raised regarding a proposed expansion of the Resort will be addressed when the Planning Commi