If federal law approves it, Plant City could permit the production of medical marijuana in pre-approved areas.
The City Commission set a public hearing for the ordinance regulating the production and sale of medical marijuana at the Monday, April 11, meeting. The public hearing was set for Monday, April 25. Following public comment, the City Commission will decide whether or not to adopt the ordinance at the Monday, May 9, meeting.
A motion similar to the Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative will be on the ballot in the upcoming November election. The initiative was on the ballot in 2014. If approved, the measure would have legalized medical marijuana for individuals with medical conditions. The measure received 57.62% of the 60% needed for the vote, which defeated the measure.
Should the November motion pass, the City of Plant City wanted to ensure that it had updated ordinances and regulations.
The ordinance was initially reviewed by the Plant City Planning Board on Thursday, March 17, and was unanimously approved.
“It all comes down to federal law,” Vice Mayor Bill Dodson said. “Each state is now adopting a new state law. Whatever federal law is is what we’re maintaining until it changes. It’s unclear when and if it will change.”
If federal law never changes, the sell of cannabis for medical purposes will remain prohibited within city limits.
While some states, such as Colorado and Washington, have taken measures to approve cannabis for medical or even recreational use, the use of marijuana remains a federal offense.
To date, federal law does not differentiate between the use of cannabis for recreational or medical purposes. It is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it is treated as other Schedule I drugs, including cocaine and heroin.
“We’re going to comply with federal law,” City Attorney Ken Buchman added. “We are preparing for when federal law changes.”
Currently, the City of Plant City’s zoning code does not address approved locations for cannabis growth or distribution. If approved by the City Commission, the ordinance would only allow for medicinal marijuana to be sold in the C1-B district, which is near South Florida Baptist Hospital. If federal law changes, the growing and processing of marijuana could be approved in the M-1 and M-1A Light Industrial Districts.
“It would not be suitable in a residential neighborhood,” Dodson said.
In Other News
— Dr. William Midyette received a proclamation at the April 11 meeting. Midyette is a former merchant marine who retired as a dentist in 2015, shortly after turning 90. He began caring for the teeth of the Plant City community in 1957.
Midyette’s family, friends and former clients were there for support.
“The Lord God puts people in your path as you go through life,” Midyette said. “When you think about that, it’s an awesome thing.”
— The City Commission approved a public hearing for an ordinance modifying the North Park Isles Community District for Monday, April 25, from 947 units to 1,219 units and to decrease site setbacks.
— Scout Blake Dunn made a presentation to the City Commission to allow two Little Free Libraries to be put on city property: one downtown and one at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rec Center.
Little Free Libraries, decorated book cabinets placed in front of homes, inside offices and around parks, are part of a community book exchange.
Blake built the book cabinets with younger scouts. Community leader Yvonne Fry solicited material and book donations. The Plant City Times & Observer connected artists and locations.
The city will revisit the request at the April 25 meeting with a contract of care. Stick with us on updates as we place more Free Little Libraries around town, including at the YMCA, United Food Bank and our office.
If you have book donations or would like to win a Little Free Library for your neighborhood, email Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.