Madison opts out of medical marijuana

The city of Madison has opted out of medical marijuana.

The vote Tuesday night was unanimous.

Madison follows Ridgeland, Gluckstadt and Flora in other Madison County cities opting out.

Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler said in a statement on Facebook:

"Tonight the City of Madison unanimously opted out of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act. Our community is our priority. The limitations over our zoning authority, the waiver to allow dispensaries and grow facilities closer to our churches, schools and daycares without notice to the public, and the increased danger to our first responders are only some of the factors that guided our decision."

The Legislature approved a medical marijuana measure in January a year after voters approved an initiative that was struck down by the state Supreme Court for procedural reasons in a lawsuit brought by Madison.

This final bill allowed local governments more zoning control over where marijuana growing or processing operations would be allowed.