Collier’s planning commission discussing medical marijuana dispensaries

New medical marijuana dispensaries could open near you.

Collier County is discussing whether to allow them to operate in the unincorporated areas of the county.

It is legal in the State of Florida to have these dispensaries but Collier County has not allowed them.

That could change, but it will take a vote from the Collier County Commissioners but that is weeks and maybe months away. The question of whether to allow it will go through many different committees.

However, the lobbying effort is underway.

“Patients who pay to live and one of the most prestigious communities in the country should be able to go to a dispensary in their backyard,” said Nick Garulay, founder and CEO of My Florida Green.

His company does not sell medical marijuana. Instead, it helps patients get their medical marijuana cards.

“Dispensaries are definitely needed, the crime rate actually goes down and that statistic is going to be presented tonight at the planning meeting,” Garulay said. “We have certified over 33,000 patients in the state of Florida, 20,000 right here in Collier County. So there’s a need. And these are patients with debilitating conditions. This isn’t a recreational program. This is a medical program for patients who are suffering from debilitating conditions.”

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