Grantees

GRANTEE:

Andrew Chin, Interim Dean, School of Architecture and Engineering Technology

STUDY:

Medical Marijuana Dispensary Locations and Neighborhood Crime

SUMMARY:

Pursuant to Sec. 381.986, F.S., Florida unlike other states, sole land use restriction is limited to prohibiting MMDs from a 500-foot radius of real property that comprise public and/or private K-12 schools. The project goals were to (1) explore existing MMDs in Tallahassee proximity to areas of crime concentrated within certain lower socio-economic communities, as well as (2) investigate accessibility to MMDs.

Population

The subjects in this study were 10 Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and Medical Marijuana Dispensaries (MMDs) as well as Tallahassee/Leon GISD Staff

Methodology

The study involved a two-phase descriptive approach using (1) Tallahassee-Leon County's Geographical Information System Department (TLC GIS) to identify the locations of MMDs and their proximity to crime; and (2) to investigate accessibility to existing MMDs using public transportation.

Results

Finding reveals there is no relationship between the locations of MMDs and crime. Additional findings revealed a need for formal deliberation on where to locate future MMDs as related to local residents who rely on public transportation to ensure equal access.

Outcomes/Conclusions

Findings did not support a relationship between existing MMDs locations in Tallahassee and areas of crime, but they did reveal that future locations need to be deliberated in regard to the critical issue of equable access.

Impact on MMERI

MMERI may wish to use findings to educate statewide shareholders about equity on MMDs locations and accessibility.