Wilton Manors will allow the operation of medical marijuana retail center dispensaries.

Commissioners approved the dispensaries at their Dec. 19 meeting. Commissioner Tom Green was the only one not to vote in favor because he was absent. Under state law, cities can prohibit dispensaries. But, if they allow them, they must regulate them the same as pharmacies.

Before the vote, commissioners rescinded a previous ordinance that was more restrictive on dispensaries. “I’m happy to see it repealed,” said Commissioner Julie Carson. In the past, Carson said she wants dispensaries in the city so they can serve the needs of residents who genuinely benefit from the use of medical marijuana.

Under the new regulations, dispensaries can only be located on Wilton Drive, Oakland Park Boulevard, Andrews Avenue, parts of Powerline Road, and parts of Northeast 26 Street. Mayor Gary Resnick asked staff to assure him new dispensaries would actually be able to open under the new regulations and they responded that they would. At a previous commission meeting, Resnick said he had spoken to a dispensary that was interested in opening in the city, but he did not provide the name of the company.

Existing pharmacies, which choose to dispense medial marijuana, would be grandfathered in, but new dispensaries would be prohibited from being within 500 feet of schools, and child daycare facilities.