Title
An Ordinance Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Creating Chapter 111 Of The Code Of Ordinances Entitled "Medical Marijuana Dispensaries" To Establish Regulations And Guidelines For Such Uses; And Providing For A Repealer Provision, A Severability Clause, And An Effective Date. (14-T-74)
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of the attached Ordinance.
Explanation:
The November 4, 2014 ballot includes, voters of the State of Florida, voting on legalizing additional strains of MEDICAL marijuana. This legislation is known as Amendment 2.
In a September 2, 2014 article, The Daytona Beach News-Journal states, "A Quinnipiac Poll found 88 percent of state residents favor allowing the medical use of marijuana - up from 82 percent in December". However, in an October 8, 2014 Sunshine State news article "WFLA and Survey USA released a poll of likely voters which shows only 51 percent" support Amendment 2. The proposed legislation requires 60 percent majority vote to pass.
In order to ensure the City is positioned appropriately, by having local regulations (and future State Laws not supersede this proposal), should Amendment 2 pass the Police Department, City Attorney's Office and Planning Department have collaboratively prepared the attached Ordinance.
ONLY if Amendment 2 is passed by Florida voters, should the City Commission consider the proposed Ordinance to regulate medical marijuana. Should Amendment 2 fail, Staff will request withdrawal of this request.
BACKGROUND
As of today, 23 states have legalized several strains of MEDICAL marijuana and two states (Washington and Colorado) have legalized limited RECREATIONAL use of marijuana (Attachment A). Already signed into legislation in Florida, Senate Bill 1030 allows doctors to begin prescribing Charlotte's Web to patients for treating certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy. Currently, this is the only strain of marijuana ALREADY legal in Florida.
Charlotte's Web has a low T...
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