Business files building permit for Marco medical marijuana dispensary

Published: Updated:
Medical marijuana. Photo via WINK News.
Medical marijuana. Photo via WINK News.

Marco Island is one step closer to getting its first medical marijuana dispensary. But allowing one even to be considered on the island did not come without much pushback.

Ann Ward, a Marco Island resident, said a medical marijuana dispensary is not something the area needs. “I’ve seen a lot of changes and I’m not opposed to change,” she said. “I just don’t feel like this is something that really necessary for the island at this point.”

However, Columbia Care disagrees with Ward. The cannabis company has over 30 stores throughout the country. Now, the business has set its sights on Marco Island by filing a building permit.

WINK News spoke with several people in Marco Island. Even after the city council for the island gave its approval to allow dispensaries, residents are split.

Tom Withers, who is retired and from Canada where marijuana is legal, said there is significant evidence supporting the value of the medicinal plant. “Everything seems to be going fine,” he said. “The police have a handle on the abuse and people are really benefiting from it.”

The permit is still in its infancy stages and under review. But no plans have been submitted yet. Nonetheless, some want to keep Marco Island the way it is now, including Tammy Silvestro. “It’s basically a place for people to say come vacation.”

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