Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Estero might ban medical marijuana dispensaries.
On Tuesday, the Village Planning and Zoning Board is expected to review an ordinance that would prevent the dispensing or cultivation of medical marijuana within Estero's boundaries.
Under the draft ordinance, the village would accept or approve no requests for development orders, building permits or other applications for proposed medical marijuana facilities.
The Planning and Zoning Board would make a recommendation to the Estero Village Council after the public hearing Tuesday night, said Mary Gibbs, director of community development.
Much of the ordinance's argument in favor of the ban is based on an "optimal ratio" from a memorandum by the Marijuana Policy Group, a Denver-based consulting firm.
The memo states that one cannabis dispensary per 67,222 residents is preferred for cities and counties in Florida.
According to the memo, that ratio is based on laws similar to Florida's Amendment 2, the constitutional change approved by voters last November that legalized medical marijuana for people who have specific diseases or conditions.
The Estero ordinance cites the village's population as 31,000 residents. That number fails to account for seasonal residents who live in Estero part-time.
Gibbs said she believes Estero would still fall below the Marijuana Policy Group's recommended ratio even if the village added those seasonal residents.
Last December, Estero enacted a one-year moratorium on cannabis dispensaries. The village said the moratorium would to give it time to see how the Florida Legislature implemented Amendment 2.
The public will have an opportunity to speak on Estero's proposed ordinance during the Village Planning and Zoning Board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Village Hall, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle.
The Planning and Zoning Board also will review the village's plan for future land use. Each person will be able to speak for five minutes per item on the agenda.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Estero to consider medical marijuana dispensary ban
Author: Brittany Carloni
Contact: Contact Us | Naples Daily News
Photo Credit: Maryann Batlle
Website: Naples and Southwest Florida News and Information | Naples Daily News
On Tuesday, the Village Planning and Zoning Board is expected to review an ordinance that would prevent the dispensing or cultivation of medical marijuana within Estero's boundaries.
Under the draft ordinance, the village would accept or approve no requests for development orders, building permits or other applications for proposed medical marijuana facilities.
The Planning and Zoning Board would make a recommendation to the Estero Village Council after the public hearing Tuesday night, said Mary Gibbs, director of community development.
Much of the ordinance's argument in favor of the ban is based on an "optimal ratio" from a memorandum by the Marijuana Policy Group, a Denver-based consulting firm.
The memo states that one cannabis dispensary per 67,222 residents is preferred for cities and counties in Florida.
According to the memo, that ratio is based on laws similar to Florida's Amendment 2, the constitutional change approved by voters last November that legalized medical marijuana for people who have specific diseases or conditions.
The Estero ordinance cites the village's population as 31,000 residents. That number fails to account for seasonal residents who live in Estero part-time.
Gibbs said she believes Estero would still fall below the Marijuana Policy Group's recommended ratio even if the village added those seasonal residents.
Last December, Estero enacted a one-year moratorium on cannabis dispensaries. The village said the moratorium would to give it time to see how the Florida Legislature implemented Amendment 2.
The public will have an opportunity to speak on Estero's proposed ordinance during the Village Planning and Zoning Board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Village Hall, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle.
The Planning and Zoning Board also will review the village's plan for future land use. Each person will be able to speak for five minutes per item on the agenda.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Estero to consider medical marijuana dispensary ban
Author: Brittany Carloni
Contact: Contact Us | Naples Daily News
Photo Credit: Maryann Batlle
Website: Naples and Southwest Florida News and Information | Naples Daily News
