Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Following a similar measure passed by the Hillsborough County Commissioners last month, the Tampa City Council on Thursday approved an ordinance that would placed a moratorium on accepting and/or processing for zoning and permitting for the establishment of a medical marijuana dispensary for 180 days.
The idea of medical marijuana in Florida is no longer an idea, but a reality after more than 71 percent of Florida voters approved Amendment 2 last week, which legalizes the selling and purchasing of pot for those who have a medical prescription.
The amendment is set to go into law on January 3 of 2017, but the Department of Health has yet to act on any regulations. That's not expected to occur until after the Florida Legislature meets in there regularly scheduled session, beginning in March.
United for Care, the group behind the measure, said the ballot language gives the state up to six months to create rules for the process.
A few members of the public commented on the vote, which was simply about the moratorium. Some zealous anti-pot advocates used their time to criticize the idea of medical marijuana.
"Every state that has legalized, for medical purposes has seen a significant increase in the rise of marijuana use," said Teresa Miller."Florida is already ranked among some of the highest youth users without medical marijuana."
Ellen Snelling from the Tampa Alcohol Coalition supports the moratorium, and urged the council to look at other zoning ordinances already passed by local governments in places like Plant City, Hernando County and Wilton Manors. She also raised the possibility that President-elect Donald Trump could go after the states who have legalized marijuana.
"We all have to keep in mind that no matter what the voters have passed, marijuana is illegal on the federal level," Snelling said. "As time goes on, we may see a crackdown on federal drug law. It may be enforced. And that's a real possibility now with the new administration that's coming in."
"I really support this moratorium and really take our time deciding how this is going to look in our community," said Gina Firth from the University of Tampa. "We have enough problems with alcohol. We have to take our time and really look at this carefully."
City Councilman Frank Reddick promised that he will present something to the council regarding the measure before the legislative session begins next March.
Under a law passed last year by the Legislature allowing for low-THC medicinal cannabis, patients are required to obtain approval from two certified doctors, after which a 90-day waiting period takes effect.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Tampa City Council Approves Six Month Moratorium On Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Author: Mitch Perry
Contact: 727.642.3162
Photo Credit: John Munson
Website: Saint Peters Blog
The idea of medical marijuana in Florida is no longer an idea, but a reality after more than 71 percent of Florida voters approved Amendment 2 last week, which legalizes the selling and purchasing of pot for those who have a medical prescription.
The amendment is set to go into law on January 3 of 2017, but the Department of Health has yet to act on any regulations. That's not expected to occur until after the Florida Legislature meets in there regularly scheduled session, beginning in March.
United for Care, the group behind the measure, said the ballot language gives the state up to six months to create rules for the process.
A few members of the public commented on the vote, which was simply about the moratorium. Some zealous anti-pot advocates used their time to criticize the idea of medical marijuana.
"Every state that has legalized, for medical purposes has seen a significant increase in the rise of marijuana use," said Teresa Miller."Florida is already ranked among some of the highest youth users without medical marijuana."
Ellen Snelling from the Tampa Alcohol Coalition supports the moratorium, and urged the council to look at other zoning ordinances already passed by local governments in places like Plant City, Hernando County and Wilton Manors. She also raised the possibility that President-elect Donald Trump could go after the states who have legalized marijuana.
"We all have to keep in mind that no matter what the voters have passed, marijuana is illegal on the federal level," Snelling said. "As time goes on, we may see a crackdown on federal drug law. It may be enforced. And that's a real possibility now with the new administration that's coming in."
"I really support this moratorium and really take our time deciding how this is going to look in our community," said Gina Firth from the University of Tampa. "We have enough problems with alcohol. We have to take our time and really look at this carefully."
City Councilman Frank Reddick promised that he will present something to the council regarding the measure before the legislative session begins next March.
Under a law passed last year by the Legislature allowing for low-THC medicinal cannabis, patients are required to obtain approval from two certified doctors, after which a 90-day waiting period takes effect.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Tampa City Council Approves Six Month Moratorium On Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Author: Mitch Perry
Contact: 727.642.3162
Photo Credit: John Munson
Website: Saint Peters Blog
