Hollywood won’t ban pot shops

Officials to vote to comply with state law

HOLLYWOOD Unlike some other cities, Hollywood will not ban medical marijuana dispensaries, commissioners have agreed.

Guidelines passed by the state in June gave cities only two options: Ban dispensaries or let them open wherever a pharmacy is operating.

Hollywood had passed rules in February allowing only two dispensaries within city limits. They decided Wednesday to amend their rules to comply with state law. The vote would likely take place in October.

“State law says you either have all of them or you have none,” Commissioner Dick Blattner said. “We don’t want to deprive legitimately needful Hollywood residents from getting it here.”

In November, Florida voters approved medical marijuana to treat cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis and other debilitating conditions. Legislators banned smoking medical marijuana, but have legalized vaping, edibles and oils.

Several cities in South Florida have banned the dispensaries or say they intend to ban them, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Hillsboro Beach, LauderdaleBy-the-Sea, Royal Palm Beach, Sea Ranch Lakes and Southwest Ranches.

Other cities have passed moratoriums, including Davie, Sunrise and Hallandale Beach.

But a few cities are allowing them, including Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boynton Beach and Lake Worth.

“Our lawyers are still researching if we can impose restrictions [on dispensaries] related to operating hours and security measures,” Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said.