Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Without lawmakers passing regulations for medical marijuana in Florida, it is left to local governments and businesses wondering what is next. On Tuesday, the Brevard County commissioners are looking for the public's input before they go ahead with regulating medical marijuana.
They, like many other local government agencies, were waiting for state lawmakers to set forth rules, but that did not happen.
"This has set us back at least a year," said Michael Patterson, who was hoping to set up marijuana dispensaries in Brevard County. "We were scouting locations to actually have stores, so we were preparing for licensure if it came through."
Since lawmakers failed to pass any rules during session, it is up to the Florida Department of Health now to come up with regulations for medical cannabis.
Currently, they have only licensed seven dispensaries to produce, sell and transport marijuana across the entire state.
"The concern is that monopoly or some people call it cartel, is going to continue which will limit the availability for prices to come down and limit access to patients," said Patterson.
Patterson is hopeful eventually more licenses will be granted. Until then, he and his company, U.S. Cannabis Pharmaceutical Research and Development, offer consulting for those looking to get into medical marijuana industry around the world.
"We understand people don't want it near schools and playgrounds, that's fine, we understand that," said Patterson. "But I'm here to tell you that this is going to be as normal and mundane going to the marijuana dispensary, as going to the pharmacy to pick up your medicine or to the doctor's office to get your blood drawn."
The Brevard County Commission will seek public input about marijuana rules at its meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Viera.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Lawmakers create unknown after not making rules for medical marijuana
Author: Jerry Hume
Contact: Contact News 13 | Send Breaking News Tips | Story Ideas
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: News 13 - Orlando News, Central Florida Weather & Traffic
They, like many other local government agencies, were waiting for state lawmakers to set forth rules, but that did not happen.
"This has set us back at least a year," said Michael Patterson, who was hoping to set up marijuana dispensaries in Brevard County. "We were scouting locations to actually have stores, so we were preparing for licensure if it came through."
Since lawmakers failed to pass any rules during session, it is up to the Florida Department of Health now to come up with regulations for medical cannabis.
Currently, they have only licensed seven dispensaries to produce, sell and transport marijuana across the entire state.
"The concern is that monopoly or some people call it cartel, is going to continue which will limit the availability for prices to come down and limit access to patients," said Patterson.
Patterson is hopeful eventually more licenses will be granted. Until then, he and his company, U.S. Cannabis Pharmaceutical Research and Development, offer consulting for those looking to get into medical marijuana industry around the world.
"We understand people don't want it near schools and playgrounds, that's fine, we understand that," said Patterson. "But I'm here to tell you that this is going to be as normal and mundane going to the marijuana dispensary, as going to the pharmacy to pick up your medicine or to the doctor's office to get your blood drawn."
The Brevard County Commission will seek public input about marijuana rules at its meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Viera.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Lawmakers create unknown after not making rules for medical marijuana
Author: Jerry Hume
Contact: Contact News 13 | Send Breaking News Tips | Story Ideas
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: News 13 - Orlando News, Central Florida Weather & Traffic
