BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Boca Raton City Council will decide if medical marijuana dispensaries should be allowed in city limits.

A new ordinance will be addressed at the City Council meeting next Monday, Jan. 13.

It would require new medical marijuana dispensaries to be a minimum of 5,000 square feet, and only pharmacy would be allowed in a specific development.

However, City Manager Leif Ahnell is recommending that City Council not approve the ordinance,

City staff said that current Florida state statue limits Boca Raton’s ability to regulate where a medical marijuana facility can open. Currently, medical marijuana pharmacies can be located in any zoning district where retail is allowed.

Staff said they have serious concerns moving forward with the ordinance, due to the number of facilities in places like Palm Beach County, Boynton Beach, and Deerfield Beach. There is also concern over the city’s ability to manage the facilities once they are allowed.

Boca Raton City Council will hear the ordinance for a first reading on Jan. 13.

Down the road, the public will get a chance to weigh in on the proposal before council members vote on it.

READ THE ORDINANCE: