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:
#actionnewsjax JaxBeach City Council now to discuss moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries.
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax #JaxBeach City Council meeting on moratorium pic.twitter.com/dphGAPK0rP
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax Women speaking against the moratorium. pic.twitter.com/RKwZsCswy5
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax woman says dispensaries are like any pharmacy. Says there are people who need medical marijuana. Says they're very regulated.
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax woman now speaking says she knows the benefit of medical marijuana but says there need to be regulations & policies. pic.twitter.com/m63fRZitug
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax occupational therapist now speaking says his patients need the benefit of medical marijuana. Says wait for state regulations.
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax another woman says she doesn't think framework is in place for medical marijuana dispensaries.
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax woman says she's in favor of the moratorium. Doesn't want City to make mistakes and regret later. pic.twitter.com/x3NuVJ7GDz
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax Council Member Vogelsang says it should be an "up to one year" moratorium. Makes motion to amend legislation.
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax lots of discussion about language of time frame being "a year" or "up to one year"
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax City Attorney now speaking about definitiveness of moratorium being one year.
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax City Attorney says there are plenty of questions right now & state regulations could be a guide for the city
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax City Attorney says moratorium could be ended early. Motion to amend has been dropped.
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
#actionnewsjax #JaxBeach City Council votes and approves moratorium.
— Michael Yoshida (@Michael7News) December 6, 2016
Cox Media Group