Rice County heads toward limiting public marijuana use

Restrictions on marijuana use appear to be likely coming to parks and other public spaces in Rice County.

Rice County commissioners said Tuesday they were in favor of enacting some public use restrictions on county property — primarily outside of city limits but also on the Rice County Fairgrounds in Faribault.

County Environmental Services Director Julie Runkel asked commissioners if they wished to limit where the now-legalized drug can be used. Cities and counties are allowed by state law to ban or restrict consumption in all or some public spaces, such as parks and sidewalks.

County Board Chair Galen Malecha asked that the question be deferred to a workshop for discussion, but Runkel said the board needed to act sooner to enact any rules they decide before the County Fair in July.

Commissioners briefly discussed possibly mirroring the restrictions the county already has on smoking tobacco or alcohol consumption in county parks, but no decision was made Tuesday. They directed staff to bring a proposal to an upcoming meeting for further discussion.

Rice County Sheriff Jesse Thomas and Public Health Director Deb Purfeerst both said they favor some restrictions, both noting concern for secondhand smoke exposure.

The Faribault City Council previously considered restrictions but decided they were not necessary in the city.