Dakota County, MN Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)

Ordinance No. 2 makes it unlawful in a County Park to use, possess, consume, or sell any Controlled Substance in violation of Minnesota Statutes, and separately bars anyone from using, manufacturing, possessing, selling, giving away, bartering, exchanging, distributing, or otherwise transferring a Controlled Substance, except under a lawful prescription from a licensed provider or as allowed by state statute. Because Minnesota's adult-use cannabis law (Minn. ch. 342) permits limited private possession and use for adults 21 and older, the ordinance's 'as allowed by state statutes' carve-out is what actually governs whether cannabis use is lawful in a given park setting; conduct the state statute does not authorize remains prohibited on county park land.

The ordinance also separately bars being under the influence of a hazardous substance or drugs to the point of intoxication, loss of motor skills or consciousness, or in a condition that could injure the person or adversely affect other park visitors. 1 rests with designated Park employees, who may direct a violator to leave, and with local law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over the park, who may also enforce any state law violation occurring on the property.