Feb 5 Council Vote on Public Cannabis Use Ban | Savage
- The Savage City Council is expected to vote on whether cannabis products, such as THC edibles or drinks, should be legal to consume in city parks or whether cannabis should be allowed to be smoked, with the proposed city ordinance banning public use of these products.
- The police department has recommended the proposed ordinance, with concerns centered on the potential exposure of children to cannabis and its effects, despite both the Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and the Community Equity Commission giving a favorable recommendation for the city council to approve the ordinance.
- An issue was raised during commission meetings regarding the difference in how alcohol and tobacco products are treated compared to cannabis products, as these are legal in Savage parks with some restrictions. A possible conflict was also discussed if a landlord bans use of cannabis while the city would permit it, with an informal poll showing no tenants have been evicted for smoking.
Savage City Council Nears Vote on Public Cannabis Usage
On February 5th, the Savage City Council is anticipated to decide if cannabis products like THC edibles and drinks should be legal for consumption in city parks, or if public cannabis smoking should be permitted. The decision comes after months of debate.
Recreational cannabis was legalized in the previous legislative session, enabling public use unless banned by specific municipalities. Savage city’s proposed ordinance aims to prohibit public cannabis use.
As per the proposed ordinance, no individual will be allowed to use cannabis flower, cannabis products, low-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer goods on public property or in public spaces. This recommendation came from the city’s police department.
The Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and the Community Equity Commission, who deliberated for two meetings, were consulted by the police department for recommendations. Both commissions favourably recommended the city council to approve the ordinance.
Administration representative Capt. Bruce Simon, who advocated for the ordinance, highlighted potential risks of children being exposed to cannabis products. He also expressed concerns about children accidentally ingesting these products left behind in public parks.
However, the commissions faced questions over the different treatments of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products. Currently, Savage parks legally permit alcohol and tobacco use with certain restrictions, unlike proposed cannabis restrictions.
Simon argued that children are less likely to be attracted to alcohol left behind in comparison to some cannabis edibles. Rental property issues were also part of the discussion, focusing on potential conflicts if landlords ban cannabis use while the city allows it.
In a recent survey, no evictions were reported due to cannabis use in city’s multi-unit developments. According to Simon, cannabis use in these apartments is not a novel issue.
Mayor Janet Williams and Councilor Christine Kelly expressed their support for the ordinance via email and phone call, respectively. City Administrator Brad Larson stated that a vote is probable on February 5th.
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