City rejects ban on medical pot centers

LAUDERHILL — A proposal to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in Lauderhill went up in smoke Monday.

Mayor Richard Kaplan said he could not support the plan because it would thwart the will of Florida voters, who overwhelmingly approved a Constitutional amendment in November on the subject.

“If everyone bans the sale of it, neither the personal caregiver nor the qualifying patient will be able to obtain medical marijuana,” Kaplan said.

About three-quarters of city voters approved the medical marijuana referendum, Kaplan said.

“It’s a mandate saying, we want this available,” Kaplan said. “The only ones I see objecting to it are the elected leaders throughout the state.”

The city’s next step is likely to be a moratorium on the dispensaries while officials decide in what zoning districts they will be allowed.

Many local governments have passed similar moratoriums, including Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Palm Beach County.

Commissioner Hayward Benson said “some protections should be done to our land development regulations,” but there’s a compelling reason to allow the facilities because of the strong public support.

Hollywood has limited the number of facilities that can be opened there, while Wilton Manors has restricted where dispensaries can go.

Florida voters in November approved medical marijuana to treat cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis and other debilitating conditions.