Tallahassee, Fla. – The Tallahassee City Commission will discuss moving forward with potential regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries, Wednesday.
Tallahassee Growth Management is recommending to move forward with preparing an ordinance. If approved as is, it could do three things. It would allow the dispensing facilities to operate under the same zoning districts as that of drug stores or retail commercial. It would require that there is at least 1,000 feet between each one, to keep from overcrowding. And, the dispensaries could not be within 1,000 feet of any schools or churches.
Karen Jumonville, the Director of Growth Management for the City of Tallahassee, said coming up with these regulations is a balancing act of several factors.
"It’s important for us to balance the will of the voters with Amendment 2 and ensure patient access to these facilities, but also ensure that at the local government level we’re siting them in locations that are compatible for the use and that are proper," said Jumonville.
Jumonville said City staff did extensive research into what other cities and states across the nation already have in place. Other regulations they noted are operating hours and security; however, she said these factors are already being regulated by the State.
The City of Tallahassee currently has a four month moratorium on permitting any new medical marijuana dispensaries or treatment centers. This was put into place so the City could come up with permitting regulations, as well as see what rules the State put in place. The temporary hold will expire in May.
She said if the City Commission wants to move forward with implementing an ordinance, they hope to have it in place prior to the moratorium ending.
The Commission meets at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, at City Hall. It may accept the recommendation, or choose not to move forward with an ordinance at this time.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: City Leaders To Discuss Potential Regulation Of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Author: Mariel Carbone
Contact: 850-893-6666
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Website: WCTV
