This chapter is adopted by the City of Aitkin City Council for the purpose of protecting public health and safety by regulating/prohibiting the use of cannabis and cannabis derived products in public places and places of public accommodation within Aitkin County. Minnesota Session Law 2023, Chapter 63, effective in relevant part August 1, 2023, establishes that the adult use, possession and personal growing of cannabis is legal subject to the requirements and restrictions of Minnesota Statutes. M.S. § 342.0263, subd. 5 authorizes the adoption of a local ordinance establishing a petty misdemeanor offense for public use of cannabis. The city intends to be proactive in protecting public health and safety by enacting an ordinance that will mitigate threats presented to the public and public health by the public use of cannabis. The City of Aitkin (hereinafter "the city") recognizes the risks that unintended access and use of cannabis products and exposure to cannabis and its effects present to the health, welfare, and safety of members of the public and in particular the youth within the City of Aitkin.
(Ord. 410, passed 11-6-2023)