Nassau County Board of Commissioners approves medical marijuana dispensaries on 4 - 1 vote

By Susan Hardee Steger

September 19, 2017 11:15 a.m.

Nassau County Commission Steve Kelley votes against Medical Marijuana Dispensaries. File Photo

On September 18, 2017, the Nassau County Board of Commissioners held a second public hearing to consider an ordinance to allow Medical Marijuana Dispensary Facilities (MMDF) in Nassau County commercial zones that allow pharmacies.  Despite a 2016 ballot question in which 70% of Nassau County voters supported  "legalizing medical marijuana for individuals with specific debilitating diseases,"  Commissioner Steve Kelley cast the lone vote against the proposal..

Rebeccca McCartney  was the only citizen to address the board.  She spoke in favor of the motion noting a number of people who would benefit,  including caregivers who would no longer find it necessary to drive to Jacksonville for patients' medication.

City Attorney  Mike  Mullin advised the commissioners that he is of the opinion that  "banning them creates legal issues down the road."

Kelley said he is not opposed to medical marijuana, but objected to state controls  prohibiting local control over licensing, hours, employees, and the number of MMDF in the county.  Kelly voiced concern over  the  inconvenience of people going to Jacksonville for medication, but he compared it to an inconvenience he experienced when he was informed a heart procedure he needed was not offered in Nassau County. His view is that, "It  is just another procedure not offered in Nassau County."