Palm Bay city officials will consider a proposal to ban future medical marijuana dispensaries during a City Council meeting on May 7 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 120 Malabar Rd. The move comes as the city grapples with the rapid growth of dispensaries in recent years. State law allows municipalities to prohibit new dispensaries as long as existing ones remain operational. Councilman Mike Jaffe raised concerns about the number of dispensaries replacing other businesses during a December 2025 meeting. 'We talk about economic development and how we want businesses,' Jaffe said. 'Wagon Wheel closed. And Wendy's closed. And now they're both marijuana dispensaries.' 'I don't want to see our city overrun by these dispensaries,' he added. The city attorney is reviewing options to limit the prevalence of dispensaries, which are currently allowed in any location where pharmacies can operate under state law. However, local governments can enact bans on new dispensaries without affecting existing ones. The proposed ban would align with that provision. City Council members signaled openness to exploring restrictions during the December meeting. If approved, the ban would take effect immediately. The decision will be voted on at the May 7 meeting. No specific timeline for implementation has been outlined. The city has not yet received public feedback on the proposal, though residents can attend the meeting to voice opinions. The outcome could shape the city's commercial landscape for years to come.