The City is preparing for the potential federal approval of medicinal marijuana uses
Soon, strawberries might not be the only major money-making plant in Plant City.
The City of Plant City is preparing for the potential federal approval of medicinal marijuana uses. At this time in Florida, marijuana is still classified as a class 1 drug, meaning that it does not permit medical cannabis use.
But all that could change, and potentially in November.
Two years ago, Florida’s medicinal marijuana amendment was on the ballot and got 58% of the 60% necessary approval. The amendment will be back on the ballot in the upcoming presidential election.
The City of Plant City is preparing for the potential state and federal approval of medicinal marijuana.
“If Congress amends the law, I would recommend we have something in place,” City Attorney Ken Buchman told the Planning Board at a March 17 meeting. “As written, until federal law changes, it’s prohibited in the city.”
The Planning Board discussed that, if approved by the federal government, medicinal marijuana could legally be available at medical dispensaries, with some buffering restrictions. For cultivation purposes, medicinal marijuana may only be found at M1-A light industrial sites.
Residential areas for cannabis were not permitted in the Planning Board’s approval.
“If federal law allows it, we consider where it would be allowed,” Bonnie Carr, Planning Board chair, said.
The ordinance will undergo two public hearings and a City Commission vote at a later date.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
