Agenda - Council - 09/22/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 09/22/2026 7. 2. Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Create a positive image for residential neighborhoods, business districts and key corridors. Title: Lower -Potency Hemp Edible Retail Compliance Violation and Possible Suspension Purpose/Background: Minnesota Statute § 342.22, subd. 4, requires local governments to conduct an unannounced age -verification compliance check of each cannabis and hemp business with a local retail registration at least once each calendar year. Ramsey City Code § 26-887(d) contains the same annual compliance -check requirement. On September 8, 2026, the Ramsey Police Department conducted 10 lower -potency hemp age -verification compliance checks and one adult -use cannabis compliance check at registered businesses in the City. One business failed the compliance check. The failed check occurred at Ramsey Tobacco Outlet, 6415 Highway 10 NW, Suite 108. During the failed check, a 20-year-old compliance checker, under the direct supervision of a Ramsey Police Officer, attempted to purchase a lower -potency hemp edible. The employee did not request identification or otherwise verify that the purchaser was at least 21 years old and completed the sale of CBN Sleep and Relaxation Cannabis -Infused Gummies for $12.31. The employee was cooperative following the check and was issued a citation for Fourth Degree Sale of Cannabis under Minn. Stat. § 152.0264, subd. 4(a)(3). See the attached police report for additional information. Minn. Stat. § 342.46, subds. 3 and 7(1), requires a lower -potency hemp edible retailer to verify that a customer is at least 21 years old before initiating a sale and prohibits sales of lower -potency hemp edibles to individuals under 21 years old. Ramsey City Code § 26-887(d)(4) requires failed compliance checks to be reported to the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The Police Department reported this failure to OCM on September 10, 2026. Ramsey City Code § 26-888 and Minn. Stat. § 342.22, subd. 5, provide the City with the authority to suspend a local lower - potency hemp edible retail registration when the requirements for suspension are met. A suspension may be for up to 30 calendar days. The City's current ordinance and fee schedule do not establish a monetary administrative penalty for this type of compliance -check violation. The City Council is being asked to review the violation and determine whether suspension of the business's local retail registration is warranted. Notification: The employee who completed the sale was notified of the violation immediately following the compliance check. The business owner later contacted the Police Department regarding the failed check and was advised that the City would provide additional information. A written Notice of Cannabis/Hemp Retail Compliance Violation and City Council Consideration, dated September 10, 2026, was sent to the registered business owner by USPS certified mail. The notice explained the violation, advised that no suspension had been imposed, and informed the owner that the matter would be considered by the City Council on September 22, 2026. The owner was given until September 17, 2026, to contest the violation or request a hearing before the City Council. As of the time this Council case was submitted on September 17, 2026, the business had not contested the violation or requested a hearing. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Ramsey City Code § 26-888 allows the City to suspend a lower -potency hemp edible retail registration when the requirements for suspension are met. A suspension may be for up to 30 calendar days. If the registration is suspended, the business may not make retail sales of lower -potency hemp edibles during the suspension. The City must also immediately notify OCM of the suspension and the reason for it.