Local

Cocoa Beach leaders propose sites for potential medical marijuana dispensaries

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Cocoa Beach city leaders have designated two spots as potential sites for marijuana dispensaries, if Florida voters approve medical marijuana in November.
 
A site near the Cocoa Beach Pier and an area near Ron Jon Surf Shop could host dispensaries. Those would be the only sites where dispensaries could operate.
 
"Having that in place should keep us from being the east coast marijuana capitol of the United States," said City Commissioner Skip Williams.
 
City officials have been working to make the area around the popular pier more family friendly. They said they came up with the two locations after hearing from residents.
 
"It's been a year-long process and we had a lot of public input," said Williams.
 
Both of the spots are on private property, and city officials said it would be up to the property owners to decide if they would allow the dispensaries.

While some people told Channel 9's Kristyn Caddell that they were opposed to medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, others said they weren't concerned by the idea.
 
"You have regular tobacco, you have alcohol. Is it any different? I don't think so," said tourist Jennifer DeCarlo.