Winona County approves regional cannabis education agreement amid questions about optics
January 13, 2026 | Winona County, Minnesota
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The Winona County Board on Jan. 13 approved a 2025–27 interagency agreement to participate in a regional cannabis education and prevention campaign paid through state grant funds.
County staff explained the interagency arrangement is a cost-effective way to meet state grant requirements for cannabis education by contracting regionally with communication experts and subcontractors; Winona County’s share was calculated relative to population and paid from the grant, not local levy dollars. Several commissioners questioned the political optics of funding prevention messaging while the state has legalized cannabis. One commissioner described the situation as potentially “hypocritical,” asking how officials could promote legal sale while also paying for prevention programs. Staff replied the campaign will focus on facts about health impacts and keeping cannabis out of the hands of young people.
Board members asked for oversight and updates on how the campaign will reach youth and recommended the use of focus groups and youth-centered communications strategies rather than didactic messages. The motion to approve the interagency agreement passed by voice vote.
The agreement is funded through a state grant; staff said no local levy dollars are being used. Commissioners requested future updates on the subcontractor’s methods and campaign results.
County staff explained the interagency arrangement is a cost-effective way to meet state grant requirements for cannabis education by contracting regionally with communication experts and subcontractors; Winona County’s share was calculated relative to population and paid from the grant, not local levy dollars. Several commissioners questioned the political optics of funding prevention messaging while the state has legalized cannabis. One commissioner described the situation as potentially “hypocritical,” asking how officials could promote legal sale while also paying for prevention programs. Staff replied the campaign will focus on facts about health impacts and keeping cannabis out of the hands of young people.
Board members asked for oversight and updates on how the campaign will reach youth and recommended the use of focus groups and youth-centered communications strategies rather than didactic messages. The motion to approve the interagency agreement passed by voice vote.
The agreement is funded through a state grant; staff said no local levy dollars are being used. Commissioners requested future updates on the subcontractor’s methods and campaign results.
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