Bonita temporarily bans marijuana dispensaries

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Don’t expect to see medical marijuana shops anytime soon.

City Council members voted Wednesday to temporarily ban medical marijuana dispensaries.

Lorraine Fierro, who plans to open her own dispensary, agrees with the council’s decision to pass the temporary ban.

“That is the best thing to do,” she said. “Let’s wait for the regulations. Let Bonita do their thing about zoning and how many we are going to be allowed to have.”

Estimates show that Florida has the potential to become one of the most prominent medical marijuana markets in the nation and expect sales to surpass $1.6 billion by 2020, the Arcview Group reported.

The state’s 65 and older population, which is the largest percentage in the nation, is expected to be the driving force behind those sales.

Chronic pain and illnesses are common for older people and are expensive to treat. Amendment 2 provides this group an alternative treatment for their medical needs, according to the Arcview Group.

The moratorium is in effect from Feb 3 to Aug. 3.