Medical marijuana will soon be legal in Florida, but don’t expect to see dispensaries in some parts of Southwest Florida.
Several cities and even a whole county are moving to keep them out.
Bonita Springs and Estero leaders will talk next week about banning marijuana dispensaries. With 71 percent of voters in Lee County saying yes to Amendment 2, some residents think it’s unfair to limit it.
“The people have voted for it, so we have to let it happen,” said Marty Laughman, who lives in Estero.
He worries a ban on medical marijuana dispensaries in the city will make it harder to those in need to get help.
“I think it’s wrong; I think if it’s been voted on and people have voted yes.”
Estero City Council has a public hearing Wednesday to discuss a temporary ban on medical marijuana shops for 12 months. Bonita Springs is having a similar meeting the same day.
“A brainstorming session. These dispensaries are in proper places where they will be accessible, but they will not be in an area where they will cause other problems,” said Bonita Springs Councilman Fred Forbes.
He said Bonita Springs officials will also vote on a ban of smoking medical marijuana in public places.
“Similar to where you can’t smoke, and you can’t have open containers of alcohol and stuff like that.”
Susan Kho agrees.
“I think it should be treated like cigarettes,” she said. “Honestly, I don’t want to smell the marijuana everywhere. Just like I don’t want cigarette smells everywhere.”
As of now, smoking medical marijuana is not allowed in Florida, only the use of oil and capsules are allowed. The amendment just expands the medical marijuana privileges to six more illnesses, but that could change. The legislature has until June to establish new rules and regulations.
As new city council agendas are released, there could be similar discussions in other cities.
Charlotte County commissioners have already put a nine-month ban on medical marijuana dispensaries there.
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Full Article: Bonita Springs, Estero Discuss Ban Of Medical Marijuana
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