INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — In a matter of legal post-election housekeeping, the Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to repeal an ordinance that would have served to regulate outlets selling medical marijuana in the unincorporated county.
The law was taken off the books because the statewide ballot initiative to allow the sale of medical pot in Florida failed to pass.
County officials had crafted an ordinance pre-emptively prior to the November election out of concern that local governments would be banned from going back after the state constitutional amendment was approved by voters in an effort to regulate this new form of commerce.
Commissioner Peter O’Bryan cautioned his fellow commissioners and the county staff that they should “be vigilant” and keep an eye on this contentious issue because those pushing it have vowed to try again.
Commissioner Wesley Davis added to O’Bryan’s comments that he sees the matter winding its way through the legislature in the 2015 session, and that county staff should also closely monitor any legislation that might pop up.
Should some measure look like it may succeed in getting to a floor vote of the Florida House or Senate, the Board could re-visit its local ordinance, make any necessary updates and pass it again.
The 2015 Florida Legislative Session officially opens on March 3, but committees began meeting in the fall and bills have been under consideration at the committee and staff level for months.