Florida Judge Rejects Marijuana Dispensary Plans at Gas Stations
A Florida judge has ruled against a medical marijuana company’s request to open dispensaries at gas stations and convenience stores. The company, Green Thumb Industries, had planned to launch a “test and learn phase” with 10 dispensaries adjacent to Circle K stores in various parts of the state.
The Health Department had raised concerns about the safety and security of these locations, citing increased risks of crime and the potential for diversion of marijuana products. The department also pointed to the high frequency of minors visiting convenience stores and the association with products enticing to minors.
Green Thumb Industries argued that the state law does not restrict medical marijuana companies from opening dispensaries near gas stations, but the judge disagreed. The judge found that the state regulators did not act improperly in denying the company’s request.
The ruling is a setback for Green Thumb Industries, which had planned to launch the new dispensaries in January 2023. The company had already signed lease agreements with Circle K stores and had announced plans to open the first dispensary in St. Petersburg.
The decision is also a victory for the Health Department, which had expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with locating dispensaries at gas stations and convenience stores. The department had argued that these locations could attract criminal activity and create a risk of diversion of marijuana products.
The case is part of a larger debate about the regulation of medical marijuana in Florida. The state has a growing medical marijuana industry, with many companies operating dispensaries throughout the state. However, the industry is still subject to strict regulations and oversight by the state Health Department.
In this case, the judge’s ruling is likely to have significant implications for the medical marijuana industry in Florida. The decision could impact the ability of companies to open new dispensaries and could affect the types of locations where dispensaries are allowed to operate.
