St. Louis County Board approves cannabis ordinance

The St. Louis County Board approved an ordinance to regulate cannabis businesses in St. Louis County during a meeting Tuesday, November 26. The ordinance will go into effect January 1, 2025.

“The County’s ordinance addresses use of cannabis in public, establishes zoning restrictions for cannabis businesses and hemp businesses, and sets hours for operations of retail businesses,” explained County Communications Manager Dana Kazel. “Commissioners noted they are taking a conservative approach to begin and will likely modify the ordinance in years to come as the cannabis industry develops.”

As per the ordinance, no cannabis retail business will be allowed to operate within 1,000 feet of a school, or within 500 feet of a licensed daycare, residential treatment facility or a public park that is regularly used by minors. The ordinance also requires that the county approves one licensed cannabis retail business for every 12,5000 residents based on the number of residents living in areas under the St. Louis County Board’s zoning authority.

The ordinance will also band the use of cannabis in public parks, any places where indoor smoking is already banned, and on any government owned, leased, or controlled lands.

The first step in trying to open a cannabis business in St. Louis County is to apply for a license through the states Office of Cannabis Management.

“In July, the County Board approved a temporary moratorium prohibiting the registration of cannabis businesses throughout the county to provide the county and local jurisdictions more time to plan and implement regulations consistent with state statute,” said Kazel. “The moratorium ends Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m.”

The ordinance passed in a 6 to 1 vote and can be read in full here.