In November, Florida voters will be deciding on whether to allow medical marijuana to be sold and distributed throughout the state.

But, before that happens, Palmetto city leaders are preparing for changes, just in case the legislation is approved.

“We don’t want to be sitting on our hands as people come to us and they’re dispersed everywhere,” said Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant.

Bryant said she is trying to be proactive and if approved, they want a plan in place before all of the new businesses come to the area.

Bryant has been working with City Attorney Mark Barnebey on a new ordinance to set limitations on medical marijuana dispensaries.

Both say because the referendum does not require a prescription from a physician, they’re expecting a lot of dispensaries to pop up under the city’s current zoning codes as retail sales use.

Both Bryant and Barnebey said while they can’t prevent the businesses from coming, they do want to make sure things are ran well to protect the community.

“There are some things we are concerned about,” said Bryant.  “Always first and foremost is health, safety and welfare of our residents and businesses.”

Barnebey said because federal law outlaws the sale of marijuana, credit cards will most likely not be used for transactions. 

Instead, he said, there will be cash purchases only.

As a result of having a lot of cash on hand, he and the mayor worry this could lead to more crime.

They’re hoping the ordinance will make things a little safer.

“There’s a need to make sure wherever these dispensaries are placed that they’re in a location that’s appropriate and we’ve addressed all the land issues,” said Barnebey.

Some of the regulations included in the new ordinance are: Prohibition against loitering in the parking areas; Prohibition against drive through facilities; Requirement of a 300 foot separation from certain protected uses including pre-existing schools, day care centers, day care home, park and other medical marijuana dispensaries; Restriction on hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Compliance with other federal, state and local laws; Provision of annual CEPTD review.

Before the ordinance can be passed, the city has to hold two public hearings. 

Those are scheduled for September 8 and September 22.

If approved, the ordinance will be adopted.

A number of other cities and counties throughout the state are coming up with their own ordinances to address the new business.

The regulations will only be an issue if the legislation is approved in November.