Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Florida lawmakers have given local governments the responsibility of deciding whether or not to add medical marijuana dispensaries. The Town of Orange Park will hold a public meeting Thursday at the Town Council to gauge the residents' perspective.
Last year, Orange Park became one of several local municipalities to impose a moratorium on these dispensaries.
In fact, one was shut down in Orange Park last November after police said it was operating illegally.
Stephen Smith, who is on the planning and zoning board, spoke with News4Jax, saying the Orange Park moratorium is in effect until October, giving town leaders about three months to make a decision whether to allow dispensaries. He said public input will be important.
Smith said finalizing Thursday's meeting is something of a first step to allow dispensaries.
"It ultimately affects the citizens of the town and the county, Smith said. "That's what the medical marijuana dispensary amendment is for."
It would be up to local governments to decide how these medical marijuana dispensaries would be zoned. The law does mandate that dispensaries cannot be within 500 feet of a school.
The first medical marijuana dispensary in Jacksonville opened Wednesday on the Southside, with others popping up all around the state.
Orange Park residents News4Jax spoke with have varying views.
"Good, maybe because the town can make money on the fact that people are going to buy it anyway," Orange Park resident Danielle Jones said.
"I think we will have more problems. We would probably have more robberies," Orange Park resident Dee Dixon said. "You know, people trying to get to it and get some."
Following the meeting, the planning and zoning board will make a recommendation to the Town Council.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Orange Park to hold town meeting on medical marijuana...
Author: Ashley Harding
Contact: Contact Us | News4Jax | WJXT Channel 4
Photo Credit: Montreal Gazette Files
Website: News4Jax | Jacksonville, Florida News, Weather, Sports | WJXT
Last year, Orange Park became one of several local municipalities to impose a moratorium on these dispensaries.
In fact, one was shut down in Orange Park last November after police said it was operating illegally.
Stephen Smith, who is on the planning and zoning board, spoke with News4Jax, saying the Orange Park moratorium is in effect until October, giving town leaders about three months to make a decision whether to allow dispensaries. He said public input will be important.
Smith said finalizing Thursday's meeting is something of a first step to allow dispensaries.
"It ultimately affects the citizens of the town and the county, Smith said. "That's what the medical marijuana dispensary amendment is for."
It would be up to local governments to decide how these medical marijuana dispensaries would be zoned. The law does mandate that dispensaries cannot be within 500 feet of a school.
The first medical marijuana dispensary in Jacksonville opened Wednesday on the Southside, with others popping up all around the state.
Orange Park residents News4Jax spoke with have varying views.
"Good, maybe because the town can make money on the fact that people are going to buy it anyway," Orange Park resident Danielle Jones said.
"I think we will have more problems. We would probably have more robberies," Orange Park resident Dee Dixon said. "You know, people trying to get to it and get some."
Following the meeting, the planning and zoning board will make a recommendation to the Town Council.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Orange Park to hold town meeting on medical marijuana...
Author: Ashley Harding
Contact: Contact Us | News4Jax | WJXT Channel 4
Photo Credit: Montreal Gazette Files
Website: News4Jax | Jacksonville, Florida News, Weather, Sports | WJXT
