Jacksonville City Council panel approves cannabis code change

Ordinance 2018-75, which would revise existing medical cannabis regulations, moved out of its first of two Jacksonville City Council committees Monday.

The code was first formulated in response to “Charlotte’s Web” low-THC cannabis being the single legal strain, and after an extended period of debate, processing and dispensing were allowed in commercial districts, with cultivation permitted in agricultural zones.

This legislation was moved Monday in the Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health & Safety committee, after deferrals in the spring.

The ordinance would allow dispensaries anywhere in the city, including within 500 feet of a school if the applicant could prove a compelling interest in public safety, health and welfare.

Council would have to consider those waiver requests, which would include a survey of schools similar to that required for obtaining a new liquor licenses under similar circumstances.

However, at least in its current version, churches would not be consulted.

Land Use and Zoning will consider the bill Tuesday evening, its last stop before the Council floor next week.