The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission on Thursday recommended denial, by a 4–2 vote, of a staff‑prepared ordinance that would ban new medical‑marijuana treatment centers in unincorporated areas.

Staff presented draft ordinance OADash2025Dash00003 as a directive from the Board of County Commissioners and explained the statutory constraint underpinning the proposal: under state law local jurisdictions must either treat medical‑marijuana treatment centers like pharmacies (allowing them wherever pharmacies are permitted) or prohibit them outright. Staff noted there are eight state‑licensed centers in the county, six inside municipal boundaries and two in unincorporated Citrus County; a ban would make the existing two nonconforming uses, meaning they could continue operating but could not relocate or expand.

Commissioners expressed divided views. Some members, citing community character and public‑safety perceptions, supported prohibition; Commissioner Kurt Stone said dispensaries can carry a negative public perception and voiced support for a ban. Other commissioners urged caution and public process before adopting a countywide prohibition, highlighting patients’ reliance on medical marijuana for serious conditions. Commissioner (speaker 2) said he was “leaning toward keeping it the way it is” because people rely on dispensaries for medical relief.

After discussion, Commissioner David Bramlett moved that the Planning and Development Commission find the application inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and LDC and recommend denial. Commissioner Michael Facemeyer seconded the motion. Staff recorded the vote as 4–2 in favor of recommending denial; the PDC’s recommendation is nonbinding and will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners for a public hearing and final decision.

What’s next: The Board of County Commissioners will receive the PDC recommendation and consider whether to pursue the ordinance to ban new medical‑marijuana treatment centers in unincorporated Citrus County.