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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 9, 2023 8 <br /> <br /> <br />There being no comments Chair Vijums closed the public hearing at 7:44 p.m. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums summarized the comments from the Commission noting it appeared the <br />Commission supported expanding this use beyond B-3 to the B-2, B-4 and the Gateway Business <br />District. In addition, the Commission supported the sale of THC products in restaurants. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe asked if the Commission supported a standalone <br />business or just an accessory use. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wicklund stated he preferred to have only accessory uses at this time until the <br />Office of Cannabis Management has more regulations in place. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe reported the sales of full- strength cannabis would be <br />addressed through an entirely different ordinance. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber supported the City allowing THC sales as a principal use because these <br />businesses would come into the community. <br /> <br />Commissioner Collins recommended the City not be any more restrictive with THC products <br />than the City was with alcohol sales. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums commented he may not be on the same page, nor was he ready for Arden Hills to <br />be the primary place for cannabis products to be sold. He supported the City allowing THC sales <br />as an accessory use at this time with allowing as a principal use being addressed in the future. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wicklund recommended the Commission focus their conversations on low <br />potency hemp/THC sales at this time. He stated the City had time to address full strength <br />cannabis sales. He believed the City had time to address this matter, or to push pause, in order to <br />fully consider how to regulate these businesses. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber completely disagreed with this tactic. He explained there was a broader <br />scope and this needs to be considered. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wicklund asked staff for further information on the moratorium that was being <br />considered by the Council. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe explained the moratorium the Council was <br />considering was on the full strength adult use cannabis and noted if adopted the moratorium <br />would be in place through January 1, 2025. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums explained there was a split on this issue. He asked if the Commission supported <br />opening low potency sales in the B-2, B-4 and Gateway Business District. The Commission <br />supported this recommendation. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums questioned if the Commission supported the sales of low potency products in <br />restaurants and service stations. The Commission supported this recommendation. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums indicated the Commission was split when it came to principal versus accessory <br />use. He explained he supported moving this ordinance forward in order to allow the City to get