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Jacksonville Beach approves one-year ban on medical marijuana shops

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The Jacksonville Beach City Council approved a temporary ban on medical marijuana shops on Monday night.

It was a unanimous decision by the council to approve the moratorium. It puts a one-year ban on medical marijuana shops, but the city said the ban could end sooner depending on how quickly the state moves in determining regulations.

At Monday night’s meeting there was quite a bit discussion. Most of the public comment was from people in favor of medical marijuana and who did not want the moratorium.

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Council members also had quite a bit to say, with some raising concerns about where the medical marijuana dispensaries could be located.

But after discussion that it was possible for the ban to be ended before one year, all members decided to vote in favor of the legislation.

“I am pleased that City Council is so forward in their thinking. I’m pleased with what they’ve done here today,” said neighbor Carrie McClain.

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“We need to take into consideration the patients, the residences, the businesses, all that needs to be in consideration. So we’ve committed tonight we’re going to move as quickly as we can to get it done, but we’re waiting on the state to give us the thumbprint,” said Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham.

Some of the neighboring beach communities have proposed moratoriums as well. Neptune Beach has proposed a three-year ban and Atlantic Beach has proposed a one-year ban.

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SEE MICHAEL YOSHIDA'S TWEETS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS THE DECISION WAS MADE: