By Susan Hardee Steger
August 29, 2017 9:00 a.m.
Nassau County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) heard loud and clear from citizens who voiced opposition to Medical Marijuana Dispensary Facilities (MMDF) in two commercial zones of American Beach. Prior to last night’s meeting, changes were made to a proposed ordinance that would eliminate the possibility of an MMDF in American Beach commercial zones. No votes were taken at last night’s meeting. Public discussion will continue on September 11.
According to Senate Bill 8 A, the county could either ban MMDF, or allow them in zoning districts that allow “pharmacies” with a 500 foot distance restrictions from schools. The proposed MMDF ordinance removes “pharmacies” from the American Beach commercial zones.
70% of Nassau County voters voted yes on a 2016 state ballot question and supported “legalizing medical marijuana for individuals with specific debilitating diseases or comparable debilitating conditions as determined by a licensed state physician.”
During the BOCC meeting, six speakers spoke to the issue. All expressed no objection to MMDF. Four speakers requested that American Beach not be a dispensary area.
Susan Woodford, executive director of the Nassau Alcohol Crime and Drug Abatement Coalition, said 51 dispensaries will be allowed in Northeast Florida. Woodroff was concerned Nassau County could see a higher density of MMDF in the area, and a lack of control over placement should other communities ban MMDF.
Another speaker said medical marijuana is a good alternative over highly addictive opioides.
According to the Miami Herald, Trulieve, is “one of seven cultivators licensed to grow and distribute marijuana in the state.” In July, 2017 Trulieve opened its first Jacksonville MMDF on Beach Blvd. Trulieve has approximately 26 locations throughout the state with many of the 26 locations “Coming Soon.” One location is in Lady Lake near “The Villages,” a large retirement community.
Laura DiBella, executive director of the Economic Development Board, said that to her knowledge, no MMDF is considering locating in Nassau County.
A representative from Nassau County’s planning department said so far inquires on MMDF are fairly generic and not specific to a particular location.