16-1439 Allowing Medical Marijuana Dispensaries & Treatment Facilities

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WHEREAS, the Florida legislature may consider and enact legislation permitting the use of additional alternative forms of medical marijuana (medical marijuana in all its forms including low -THC cannabis, together referred to as "medical marijuana") and alternative dispensing methods (including, but not limited to, smoking and food products); and WHEREAS, the failed Constitutional Amendment, as well as the proposed 2016 ballot initiative, authorizes and defines "Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers" to encompass the entire supply chain (cultivation, processing, storage, distribution, etc.), not just retail sales to qualified patients; and WHEREAS, if the proposed 2016 medical marijuana ballot initiative secures the requisite signatures, is placed on the ballot, and approved, it will amend the Florida Constitution to permit the use of additional alternative forms of medical marijuana (medical marijuana in all its forms including low -THC cannabis, together referred to as "medical marijuana") and alternative dispensing methods (including, but not limited to, smoking and food products); and WHEREAS, in the event the Florida legislature enacts legislation expanding the approved forms of medical marijuana and alternative dispensing methods for medical purposes, or in the event the proposed 2016 ballot initiative for medical marijuana or one of the proposed 2016 ballot initiatives for non - medical /recreational marijuana passes, the City Commission believes it is in the best interests of the citizens of Casselberry to have in place certain regulations regarding medical marijuana and non-medical/recreational marijuana; and WHEREAS, even in the event that no medical marijuana expansion is approved by the Florida legislature or citizens in 2016, there is a trend toward approval of medical and non - medical/recreational marijuana initiatives in other states, and the City Commission believes it is in the best interests of the citizens of the City of Casselberry to have in place certain regulations regarding medical marijuana and non-medical/recreational marijuana in the event laws are amended by federal or state legislation, or by constitutional amendment; and WHEREAS, significant safety and security issues exist for any establishment involved in the cultivation, processing or distribution of medical marijuana or non-medical/recreational marijuana, because they maintain large drug inventories and are forced to deal in cash as their activities have not been sanctioned by federal law; and WHEREAS, such businesses are inherently attractive targets for criminals, and it is therefore essential that the City limit the permissible scope of such uses and regulate them to ensure their compatibility with surrounding businesses and the community, and to protect and advance the public health, safety and welfare; and Ordinance 16 -1439 Page 2 of 12