Duluth Imposes Moratorium on Marijuana Manufacture

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - Duluth is taking a slow approach to possibly allowing a medical marijuana manufacturer to locate in the city.

Reports say the City Council has imposed a moratorium on such a facility for six months to a year so city planners can review relevant zoning rules.

Medical marijuana was legalized in Minnesota during the last legislative session. Minnesota's Office of Medical Cannabis says it's on track to register two medical marijuana manufacturers by the end of the month with a distribution target of July 2015.

At least one Duluth councilor voting for the moratorium said she was mindful of the city's struggle to shut down a synthetic drug business. Other council members said unlike synthetic drugs, marijuana offers medically-recognized benefits.