Council fines dispensary $1,000, imposes three-day suspension after underage THC sale

The Cottage Grove City Council imposed a $1,000 scheduled penalty and a three-day suspension on High North Dispensary following a police compliance check that resulted in an underage sale on May 21.

Sergeant Mike McCormick explained that the city’s compliance checks use trained underage decoys accompanied by officers. McCormick said the decoy in this case was a 17-year-old male who entered the business at 8711 East Point and asked for ZYN tobacco pouches. The clerk told the decoy the store did not have those pouches but offered THC gummies instead. The clerk asked for and examined the decoy’s Minnesota identification, McCormick said, then completed the sale; the decoy carried a $20 bill and the purchase totaled $20.67, which the clerk covered.

McCormick said the clerk subsequently admitted to the sale during officer contact, and officers recovered the $20 note; the interaction was recorded on officer body-worn cameras. McCormick added the business had one prior violation within 24 months. He said staff notified the owner by email and also hand-delivered formal notice; the city received no response prior to the hearing.

Council members pressed staff on enforcement details. Council Member Wilson asked whether officers immediately told the clerk the interaction was a compliance check; staff confirmed officers were present and notified the employee. Wilson and other members said they were discouraged the owner did not appear or respond and urged that the three suspended days be scheduled to send a strong message, particularly if they fall on peak business days. Council Member Garza asked whether a receipt existed and whether the employee pocketed funds; McCormick said a receipt was generated and that the $20 was returned to officers.

Council Member Olson moved to impose the scheduled penalty (resolution 2025-093) of a $1,000 fine and three‑day suspension for a second violation within 24 months; Council Member Borthidi seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote.

McCormick said the city’s compliance checks aim at education in addition to enforcement; he noted practices for decoys and evidence collection, including photo documentation of IDs and tracking of serial numbers on bills used in tests.