Orange County officials are moving closer to banning medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas.

County Planning and Zoning Board recommends dispensary ban

Board member says state regulations left little choice

County will have final vote on proposed ban next month

After much debate, the Orange County Planning and Zoning Board voted Thursday, by a 7 to 2 margin, to recommend county commissioners ban medical marijuana dispensaries.

The ban would extend to parts of the county not under the jurisdiction of a city or town, like Orlando.

“I don’t want to recommend that but I felt I had no choice. It was a very difficult decision for me," said Planning and Zoning Commissioner Paul Wean.

Wean, who is an attorney by trade, said he believes state lawmakers put Orange County Government in a lose-lose situation.

Right now, if dispensaries are allowed to open in commercial areas across unincorporated Orange County, county staff said the current state law would make way for more than 100 locations to pop up over the next several years.

“Counties had a choice -- either ban dispensaries completely or allow them with the same frequency and location as pharmacies," Wean explained.

That's what is put down in SB 8-A: Medical Use of Marijuana, the bill state lawmakers passed in June.

"Except as provided in paragraph (c), a county or municipality may not enact ordinances for permitting or for determining the location of dispensing facilities which are more restrictive than its ordinances permitting or for determining the locations of pharmacies licensed under chapter 465."

Wean is hopeful state lawmakers will make additional regulatory changes to the current state law in the legislative session next January. Wean wants county leaders to revisit the issue after that.

Amy Tacner, is a nurse and a patient care advocate who supports medical marijuana dispensaries.

"Sick people can’t come to these meetings, older people that have a lot going on, they can’t come to these meetings," Tacner said.

“I feel compelled that I need to come and make a voice for them," Tacner added.

Ultimately, Tacner believes a ban sends the wrong message on an issue already approved by Florida voters.

“I think lifting those taboos and becoming more open to having this dialogue would be the best step for patients," Tacner said.

Orange County commissioners are scheduled to consider whether to allow or ban medical marijuana dispensaries at a public hearing on Oct. 31. A final vote on the issue is expected on Nov. 14.