Manatee County A six-month moratorium on medical marijuana businesses is likely to be enacted in unincorporated Manatee County if Florida voters pass Amendment 2 on the Nov. 8 ballot.
On Tuesday, the County Commission voted unanimously to instruct county attorneys to write an ordinance imposing a 180-day ban on any rezonings, permits or other authorizations for dispensaries and other businesses related to medical marijuana.
A state constitutional amendment on the November ballot calls for allowing physicians to prescribe medical marijuana for patients with cancer, epilepsy and other conditions.
A moratorium ordinance in Manatee would have to be subject to public hearings before the Planning Commission and County Commission and could be adopted by Dec. 13, county attorneys said. The constitutional amendment, if passed, would take effect Jan. 3.
The Sarasota City Commission decided earlier this month to impose a nine-month ban to also give it time to adopt zoning and building regulations for medical marijuana businesses.
The intent of a moratorium is to give county attorneys and planners ample time to think this through and come up with local regulations, Building and Development Services Director John Barnott told Manatee commissioners.
Were already in research mode and studying what other jurisdictions are doing, Barnott said.
Assistant County Attorney Bill Clague emphasized that the moratorium would be strictly a temporary measure. Thats all it is. Its not a prohibition against medical marijuana.
Commissioner John Chappie said county officials working on the moratorium ordinance should share their research with Manatees six municipalities so they, too, can take the same step.
County Attorney Mickey Palmer said the municipalities can use the countys ordinance as a model for their own laws. The cities can piggyback on that.
Dr. Jessica Spencer, an addictions specialist, spoke against Amendment 2 calling it a red herring intended to lead to legalization. This is not the pot from the 60s and 70s, Spencer said, stressing that marijuana being grown today is highly potent.
There is no conclusive evidence that this is medicine, Spencer said.
Commissioner Carol Whitmore, a nurse, said she is aware of terminally ill patients who have been administered medical marijuana to relieve pain. There are uses for it.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Manatee County To Consider Marijuana Moratorium
Author: Dale White
Contact: (941) 361-4800
Photo Credit: David Zalubowski
Website: Herald-Tribune
