Medical marijuana dispensaries could soon bud in Manatee

Medical marijuana dispensaries are one step closer to being allowed in Manatee County.

During a regular commission meeting Tuesday, county principal planner Margaret Tusing presented options to amend the land development code.

The planning commission had voted in favor of placing medical marijuana treatment center dispensaries in the same zoning category as drug stores and pharmacies, with a minimum 500-foot separation between a school’s property line and the property line the facility is on.

Another option was “as the crow flies,” which is measured from the storefront to the school’s property line.

In the 2016 general election, 71 percent of Floridians said they wanted medical marijuana. Sixty-nine percent of Manatee County residents also voted in favor of the amendment.

“I do believe the people of Manatee County spoke, so I will support this marijuana treatment center dispensing facility,” Commissioner Carol Whitmore said.

Commissioner Charles Smith abstained from voting, saying he had a conflict of interest.

The vote was 6-0 in favor of allowing medical marijuana dispensaries to be built in the county, with a 500-foot buffer between property lines.

A second public hearing will be held on Sept. 7 before the amendment is finalized. The medical marijuana moratorium expires on Sept. 16.

This story was originally published August 22, 2017 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Medical marijuana dispensaries could soon bud in Manatee."