Flagler County considered a six-month moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries Monday, a step the county says is needed to prepare for the unknowns that are part of Amendment 2.

  • Flagler County commissioners approved 1st read of moratorium
  • Final reading is Dec. 19
  • Commissioners: Moratorium needed while state implements Amendment 2

Voters approved medical marijuana in Florida in November. While technically the amendment becomes effective January 3, the Florida Dept. of Health has six months to design rules for the amendment, and nine months to implement those rules.

Flagler County is one of several county and municipal governments across the state that has issued a moratorium.

"Let's just not rush down this road and bump into a bunch of unintended consequences," said Nate McLaughlin, County Commission Chair-District 4.

The temporary moratorium would prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries from setting up all across Flagler County's unincorporated areas.

"We'll look at what's effective and make as much available to folks for options and choices as we can," said McLaughlin.

McLaughlin said they don't want to stand in the way of someone's medicine and Monday's meeting was not to show the commission is for or against medical marijuana.

Commissioners say they just want to see how the legislature sets rules, and then recommendations will be made.

"I don't think it's any risk. I mean there's a liquor store two blocks down from here and you don't see kids going in buying liquor," said resident Jesse Stream.

Stream said he has sick family members who have benefited from medical marijuana in other states, some who are battling cancer.

Stream doesn't believe the county needs six months as long as the dispensaries and treatment centers follow the law.

"I think they should just jump on the gun. I think it's been passed due to be done," said Stream.

Commissioners voted unanimously on the moratorium for its first reading Monday. The moratorium would run through June 17, 2017 if they vote yes at the final meeting on Dec. 19.