Bloomington to consider moratorium on medical marijuana facilities

The Bloomington City Council is set to vote Monday on a proposed one-year moratorium barring medical marijuana production and sales facilities in the city.

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

"As we understand it, federal law prohibits the sale of marijuana so credit card companies do not work with dispensaries," Markegard said. "Therefore the public ... has to bring cash. That presents unique security considerations."

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