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Florida’s first drive-thru medical marijuana dispensary opens in Palm Harbor

Despite ongoing legal and political setbacks for medical marijuana in the state, dispensaries continue to thrive and the number of patients continues to increase.
New Curaleaf location opening up at U.S. Hwy 19 and Alderman Rd. in Palm Harbor, Fla. (Josh Sidorowicz)

PALM HARBOR, Fla. – The newest option for medical marijuana patients to get their medicine in the Bay area won’t even require them to get out of their car.

Curaleaf opened its newest dispensary Tuesday afternoon at 35388 US Hwy 19 N., will be Florida’s first drive-thru medical marijuana dispensary.

The company says it is implementing the drive-thru feature to assist patients, many of whom are physically disabled. Online ordering will also be available to existing patients.

First-time patients, however, will be required to visit the dispensary for a private consultation first before being able to order online or use the drive-thru service, according to the company’s press release.

The opening is happening as medical marijuana patients in Florida continue to face confusion and uncertainty.

On Monday, a Florida circuit court reinstated a stay on smoking medical marijuana.

RELATED: Medical marijuana smoking ruling on hold as state appeals judge's decision

The state's 1st District Court of Appeal ruled that the hold will remain in effect "pending final disposition of the merits of (a recent) appeal."

The Department of Health appealed to a higher court earlier this month after Leon County Circuit Court Judge Karen Gievers upheld her May 25 ruling that the Florida Legislature's provision banning smokable medical marijuana is unconstitutional.

The Department of Health is also facing heat for appearing to delay the issuing of additional medical marijuana growers licenses as required by state law.

Last week, the number of medical marijuana patients to be issued approved ID cards exceeded 100,000, which is supposed to trigger a state law requiring four new medical marijuana growers licenses be issued.

But reports indicate the agency has yet to begin accepting applications for the new licenses

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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