Summary On June 16, 2014, "Senate Bill 1030 "Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014" ("Act") relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis was adopted as Chapter 2014-157 Laws of Florida. The "Act" required the Florida Department of Health ("DOH") to promulgate rules for the implementation of the "Act," which became effective on June 17, 2015.
The "Act" also required the "DOH" to approve five (5) dispensing organizations, one in each of five established regions in Florida. On November 23, 2015, the "DOH" approved Chestnut Hill Tree Farm, LLC, as the dispensing organization for the Northeast Region of Florida.
Previously, on January 12, 2015, the City Commission adopted Ordinance 15-02, which placed a six (6) month moratorium on development approvals for medical marijuana dispensing organizations. Further, on July 13, 2015, the City Commission extended the moratorium for an additional six months, until January 13, 2015.
Staff has done extensive research in order to draft a text amendment to the Land Development Regulations to address the location of and use specific standards for dispensing organizations and dispensing organization facilities. The item was placed on the agenda for the December 8, 2015 Planning and Zoning Board meeting, however, due to the evolving manner in which this legislation has been implemented and contact by a prospective dispensing organization on December 7, 2015, the item was withdrawn from the agenda to allow for further investigation and consultation on the item. Therefore, in order to allow for staff to complete the additional investigation and bring to the City Commission a possible comprehensive local legislative framework for the cultivation, processing and dispensing of low THC marijuana, an additional moratorium up to April 12, 2016 is necessary. | | |