BYRON, Minn. (ABC 6 News) — The city of Byron is taking both a step forward and a step back as it weighs the future of its proposed municipal cannabis dispensary. At the October 14, 2025, city council meeting, members approved a key step in the planning process but decided to delay moving ahead with construction plans.
The Byron City Council voted to authorize Planning & Zoning to create a land split for the preferred municipal cannabis dispensary location. The proposed site sits adjacent to the existing Park & Ride, a convenient and accessible area that city leaders believe could serve as an ideal home for Byron’s first municipal cannabis dispensary.
The purpose of the land split is to separate the enterprise fund operation from the city’s existing property and ensure that all plans comply with local zoning codes. While that represents progress, the council also voted to pause the creation of design and bid documents for the actual building that would house the municipal cannabis dispensary.
The primary reason for the delay is cost. The project’s estimated price tag has ballooned from an initial $1.5 million to about $2.5 million.
“With all these big budget items coming up like road improvements and a roundabout planned for next year I think we need to defer this until we know where we stand financially,” said Councilmember Dan Even during the meeting.
City leaders emphasized that they have not abandoned the idea of a municipal cannabis dispensary. Instead, the council chose to table the discussion and revisit the design phase once the city has more clarity on future spending priorities. The move reflects Byron’s cautious approach to balancing fiscal responsibility with innovative community initiatives such as the municipal cannabis dispensary proposal.
Supporters of the project say a municipal cannabis dispensary could generate much-needed revenue for local services and create a safer, regulated market for adult-use cannabis. Others believe it positions Byron as a forward-thinking community ready to embrace a new industry while maintaining strong oversight.
For now, the concept remains in planning limbo. The council is expected to revisit the municipal cannabis dispensary plans once updated financial projections are available in 2026. Until then, Byron continues to evaluate the potential benefits, costs, and community impact of becoming one of Minnesota’s first cities to operate a municipal cannabis dispensary.
