Bloomington Considers Moratorium On Marijuana Manufacture

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) - Bloomington is considering barring medical marijuana production and sales facilities in the city.

The City Council is set to vote Monday on the proposed one-year moratorium.

Bloomington planning manager Glen Markegard says the moratorium would give the city time to develop a better understanding of how to regulate such facilities.

Markegard says city officials understand that since federal law prohibits the sale of marijuana, credit card companies do not work with dispensaries.

Markegard says as a result, the public has to bring cash, and that "presents unique security considerations."

Several Minnesota cities already have moratoriums in place, including Duluth and Richfield.

Medical marijuana was legalized in Minnesota during the last legislative session. Patients are expected to be able to start getting the medicine in July.