City Council to weigh marijuana ban – chronicleonline.com
The Green Dragon Dispensary is one of several medical marijuana dispensaries inside the Inverness city limits. It is located in the former Capital City bank building in the Inverness Shopping Plaza on U.S. 41.
The Green Dragon Dispensary is one of several medical marijuana dispensaries inside the Inverness city limits. It is located in the former Capital City bank building in the Inverness Shopping Plaza on U.S. 41.
The Inverness City Council will consider reinstating a ban on new medical marijuana treatment centers during its 5:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday at the Inverness Government Center, 212 W. Main St.
The ordinance would amend the city’s Land Development Code to ban any new medical marijuana treatment center dispensing facilities within the corporate boundaries of the city.
The council previously enacted a ban but later rescinded it. In December, following public comment raising concerns about crime near dispensaries, the council directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance for consideration and to provide law enforcement data at first reading.
Councilwoman Crystal Lizanich specifically requested that crime statistics be shared as part of the review.
According to the agenda packet, a review of recent law enforcement activity shows no reported crime at the city’s existing dispensaries in the 2025-26 period.
“These facilities are characterized by high-security protocols mandated by Florida law,” the staff report states, including 24-hour video surveillance, controlled access with mandatory ID checks and on-site security personnel during operating hours.
The report states that there have been no significant incidents of theft, loitering or violence reported at the locations.
Crystal River and Citrus County have already enacted similar prohibitions on new facilities.
The proposed ordinance was reviewed by the City of Inverness Planning and Zoning Commission during a Feb. 4 public hearing. The commission recommended approval, finding the amendment consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
Under state law, municipalities may regulate medical marijuana treatment centers through land development codes and zoning authority.
The business impact estimate in the agenda packet indicates the economic impact of the ordinance is “not quantifiable” and estimates no direct compliance costs, new fees or regulatory expenses.
If approved on first reading Tuesday, the ordinance will return to the council for a second public hearing and final vote March 3.
Mike Arnold can be reached at mike.arnold@chronicleonline.com or 352-564-2929, ext. 429.
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