JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville's ban on distribution sites for low-THC marijuana became law Monday when Mayor Alvin Brown signed legislation passed last week by City Council.
The law institutes a six-month moratorium on sites that can grow and distribute marijuana for medical use in Jacksonville. Last year, the Florida Legislature legalized the strain of marijuana under what is called the Charlotte's Web law.
Under state rules, a limited of number businesses can apply next month for licenses with the state.
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City Councilman Richard Clark, who introduced the measure which passed unanimously in council, explained why the Jacksonville moratorium is important..
"I am not concerned about the entities that are going to cultivate grow and distribute. They are going to be licensed and certainly will go through a stringent qualifications. We totally agree with that," Clark said Tuesday. "What we don't have here are local rules. Where they are going to be and how they are going to distribute? The state, in turn, that is not their purview. We need to protect those people. I don't think anyone wants a marijuana distribution site next to their church or their kid's elementary school."
Clark said officials need to study the rules, and that is why the delay is in place. Backers of the Charlotte's Web law say the state is already doing it. Some City Council members might try to reconsider the vote. And even though the mayor signed it, in a statement he said he is open to more discussion.
"The mayor recognizes the unanimous decision of City Council. However, he is also aware of the concerns that some citizens have raised since that vote, and understands that some council members may be open to receiving additional information and reviewing their previous decision. He is equally open to receiving additional information," a statement from the mayor's office said.