News

By Sallie James

    If a Florida ballot measure legalizing the use of medical marijuana passes in November, the City of Boca Raton won’t be going up in smoke.
    At least not right away.
    On Sept. 23, the City Council introduced an ordinance that would impose a yearlong moratorium on the operation of medical marijuana treatment centers and dispensing or cultivation facilities.
    The ordinance’s aim is to give the city time to address possible land development regulations should the ballot measure be approved by Florida voters.
Because of the city’s historical prohibition of marijuana use and cultivation, no existing land development regulations address its permitted use.
    “If it passes in November at least we have the regulatory framework in place to manage it,” Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie said. Cities across Florida are protecting themselves in anticipation of the vote, she said.
    Earlier this month, Coconut Creek tentatively approved a 180-day moratorium on any growing or dispensing facilities for medical marijuana.
    If Florida voters fail to approve the ballot measure in November, Boca’s temporary moratorium on the operation of medical marijuana treatment centers will immediately terminate.
The temporary moratorium on the operation of dispensing facilities will remain in effect.
    Amendment 2 would allow marijuana to be legally given to anyone with a doctor’s referral who has cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or “other conditions for which a physician believes that the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the potential health risks for the patient.” ;