Brooklyn Center is the latest Minnesota city to crack down on public cannabis consumption by passing a new ordinance aimed at protecting residents from second-hand smoke. At its Sept. 8 meeting, the city council approved a second reading of an ordinance prohibiting the use of cannabis and hemp-derived products in public spaces. The measure passed on a 3-0 vote, setting a new standard for local Cannabis Rules in the Twin Cities area.
Under the updated Cannabis Rules, the use of any cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or other hemp-derived items in a public place is now considered a petty misdemeanor. Residents found in violation face fines of up to $200. These Cannabis Rules go further than similar measures in neighboring Brooklyn Park, which focused primarily on smoking or vaping cannabis in parks, trails, and city-owned buildings.
What sets Brooklyn Center apart is the scope of its Cannabis Rules. Unlike Brooklyn Park’s ordinance, which does not apply to edibles or beverages, Brooklyn Center’s new law covers all cannabis and hemp-derived products regardless of how they’re consumed. This comprehensive approach reflects growing public concern about second-hand smoke and the visibility of cannabis use in shared spaces.
The Cannabis Rules also apply to any indoor or outdoor area open to the public—even if privately owned. This means spaces such as private parking lots, courtyards, or event venues accessible to the public must comply with the ordinance. However, private residences and yards remain exempt under the Cannabis Rules, leaving it to individual property owners to regulate cannabis consumption on their own premises.
During the public hearing, residents raised concerns about cannabis odors drifting from neighboring properties. While this scenario falls outside the city’s new Cannabis Rules, Council Member Teneshia Kragness emphasized that the ordinance aims to limit second-hand smoke exposure within the boundaries allowed by state law.
The ordinance does include some flexibility. Under the new Cannabis Rules, businesses or event organizers may apply for a license or permit to allow cannabis use or sales at specific locations or events. This licensing system mirrors the approach taken by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, which grants state-level licenses while allowing cities to establish their own regulations.
As the state rolls out its licensing program, local governments like Brooklyn Center are using their authority to create Cannabis Rules tailored to community needs. These measures show how cities can balance public health concerns with the rights of adults to use cannabis legally.