In a unanimous decision, Pasco County commissioners voted to place a yearlong
moratorium on medical marijuana. United for Care, the organization leading the
charge in collecting petitions to put the decision of a comprehensive medical
marijuana law before the voters in 2016 understands the difference between a ban
and moratorium, but still finds the moratorium disappointing.
“We hoped that the commissioners of Pasco County would consider the needs of
the patients and the detriment this yearlong moratorium could have on their
citizens. Keeping medical marijuana treatment centers out of the county is not
an effective way to bring safe access to their citizens,” said Ben Pollara,
Campaign Manager of United the Care.
United for Care takes the position
that local communities must decide what is best for themselves, but should do so
in a way as to allow residents safe access to medical marijuana once it is
available.
Mr. Pollara continued, “While we understand that local community leaders need
to have discussions regarding new policies and do what’s best for their
citizens, I think they’re jumping the gun. The commissioners are going to really
hurt people who are in desperate need of relief. Hopefully they will reconsider
and lift the moratorium soon."