The Hastings City Council voting soon on cannabis cap could mark a significant change in the city’s cannabis policy. On Monday, the council will revisit its ordinance that currently limits the number of cannabis retailers in Hastings to just one. This upcoming vote follows updated guidance from the state of Minnesota, which has prompted city leaders to reconsider their earlier decision.
Back in December, the Hastings City Council voting soon on cannabis cap had initially resulted in a strict limitation—only one retail cannabis license was permitted within the city. That decision was based on the city’s understanding of the new Minnesota cannabis law, which requires one cannabis retailer per 12,500 residents. With a population of about 23,000, officials believed Hastings only needed to allow for one business to stay compliant.
However, a memo included in this week's city council documents sheds new light on the matter. According to the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, a city the size of Hastings should actually allow at least two cannabis retailers to align with state guidelines. This clarification has triggered the Hastings City Council voting soon on cannabis cap to ensure local laws are in step with state expectations.
If the vote passes, Hastings will increase its cap from one to two cannabis businesses, allowing more room for entrepreneurs and giving residents broader access to legal cannabis options. The Hastings City Council voting soon on cannabis cap also reflects a growing trend across Minnesota, where local municipalities are adjusting their ordinances in real-time as more information becomes available from state agencies.
In addition to raising the cap, the city is also proposing another important change. The revised ordinance will now allow cannabis businesses that have received preliminary approval for a state license to register with the city.
The Hastings City Council voting soon on cannabis cap has drawn the attention of local cannabis advocates, business owners, and residents alike. Many see this as a step toward more equitable access to cannabis and a recognition of the growing market in Minnesota.
As the Hastings City Council voting soon on cannabis cap nears, the outcome could set a precedent for how similar-sized cities handle cannabis retail expansion under evolving state regulations. The vote may be local, but its impact could ripple across the state’s cannabis industry.
