The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday approved regulations on where cannabis dispensaries and producers can set up shop once licenses are available.

the ordinance to amend the city’s zoning code approved by a 12-1 vote, and Mayor Jacob Frey supported the measure, paving the way for recreational cannabis businesses.

Like your neighbor San PabloMinneapolis decided to adopt the minimum buffer zone of 300 feet from schools as required by state law.

The ordinance also states that all cannabis-related businesses must be “within a contiguous commercial or industrial area of ​​at least three acres.” An earlier iteration set the requirement at five contiguous acres, and an amendment introduced by Councilman Aurin Chowdhury on Thursday eliminated a proposed 300-foot buffer zone between dispensaries.

Commercial cannabis cultivation will be limited to areas zoned for production and processing, similar to urban agricultural uses. The ordinance also imposes light and odor restrictions on commercial growing facilities.

“Minneapolis has always been early to adopt and improve new rules and regulations,” said Councilman Jamal Osman, author of the ordinance. “I am proud of the excellent work our staff has done to ensure cannabis businesses are ready to support the first round of applicants by having these policies on the books.”

Once the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) begins issuing licenses, Minneapolis will have to allow at least 34 dispensaries citywide based on the requirement of one dispensary per 12,500 residents.

There is still no clear date on when retail cannabis sales will be authorized statewide, but the OCM has said it aims to finalize the rules and begin issuing licenses in early 2025.