Should smoking marijuana be allowed on sidewalks, in parks? Minnesota cities consider bans – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

LAKEVILLE, Minn. (FOX 9) – In August, marijuana becomes legal in Minnesota for recreational use. Multiple cities across the state are considering whether to place restrictions on cannabis use in public places.

When Mayor Luke Hellier looks downtown Lakeville, he likes what he sees. He’s concerned about Aug. 1 when people 21 and older will be able to possess and use marijuana across Minnesota.

“We’re the seventh largest city in the Twin Cities, the 30th fastest growing city in the country. So in my opinion, we’re doing something right,” Hellier said. “The last thing I want is a nuisance of marijuana smoke or vaping in the downtown that could prevent people from wanting to come to these businesses.”

On Monday night, the Lakeville City Council is considering ordinances that would ban smoking in parks and other public places, and make it a petty misdemeanor to use cannabis in public.

People 21 and older can use cannabis on private property unless the owner prohibits it, according to the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. Hellier said cities across the state were under the impression that marijuana use would only be allowed in private spaces, not public, but two weeks ago, they learned both would become legal in August.

“We were really surprised that even that this was…