Dade City – Uncertainty over an impending statewide vote on medical marijuana and whether legislators will take up the issue next session has led Dade City leaders to look at temporarily banning dispensaries.
During a meeting Tuesday night, the Dade City Commission voted unanimously to hold a first reading of an ordinance recommended by City Attorney Karla Owens that would establish a yearlong moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries.
The moratorium would give the city staff time to extensively research the effect marijuana dispensaries would have in Dade City, as well as investigate land-use and zoning issues that could be associated with such businesses, Owens told commissioners. She added that the moratorium could be withdrawn before the year is up or extended, depending on circumstances that might arise.
With the legalization of medical marijuana on the ballot Nov. 8, where constitutional Amendment 2 needs 60 percent of the vote to pass, and the possibility of state legislation concerning medical marijuana, Owens said the uncertainty warrants a moratorium.
“I think we need to give this careful consideration,” she said.
The commission is scheduled to vote on a first reading of the ordinance Oct. 25, which, if approved, would state the city “shall not accept, process or approve any application relating to the operation of a medical marijuana dispensing organization.”
Zephyrhills officials announced this week that their city also will investigate issues concerning marijuana. During a council meeting Monday, Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina announced he is sending four staff members to a Florida City and County Management Association symposium titled “Marijuana: What Does It Mean for Local Government?”
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Full Article: Dade City Moves Toward Moratorium On Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Author: Robert Napper
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Photo Credit: Don Treeger
Website: Tampa Bay Times