A new bill in Florida could allow residents to grow up to six marijuana plants at home, raising questions about its potential impact on the state’s cannabis industry, including Cape Coral’s newly opened cannabis cafe, Seed and Bean.The city of Cape Coral recently welcomed Seed and Bean, a 3,000-square-foot cannabis cafe, which is the first place in the state and most of the country where patrons can enjoy a mixed drink of alcohol with a side shot of THC.”It’s pretty popular in Cape Coral,” said Patrick Grisbin, from Fort Myers.Seed and Bean is required by the state to have both a cannabis and an alcohol license to operate.”It’s a huge responsibility for us. But it’s something we can offer to the public that no one else can,” said Brian Nagle, general manager of Seed and Bean.The cafe offers a full menu, along with alcohol and CBD and THC-infused products.”We are one of the first in the country and state without a doubt that has the ability to sell cannabis products along with a full bar,” Nagle added.The proposed bill raises questions about its impact on businesses like Seed and Bean. Nagle compared the situation to growing tomatoes and cucumbers at home but still purchasing them from the grocery store.”I equate that to tomatoes and cucumbers in my backyard, but I still go to the grocery store,” he said.Many patrons, like Joan Fujikawa from Fort Myers, agree with the idea of homegrown marijuana.”If you can grow tomatoes and lettuce, why not marijuana for recreational use?” she said.Seed and Bean owner Cole Peacock and other experts consider the bill a long shot.”We have regulated product that is safe, secure, that’s tested and approved. You know when you get it, it is 100% pure,” Peacock said.The bill stipulates that home-grown plants can only be grown from state-approved dispensaries. Grisbin noted the challenge of tracking the origin of seeds.”Sometimes they produce their own seeds, so it’s not impossible to think they would produce their own seeds to grow it at home, and then how do they keep track if came from a dispensary or not?” he said, highlighting the complexity of the issue.Voters may have the final say next November on whether they want recreational marijuana. “I personally think it is a great idea,” Fujikawa said.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

A new bill in Florida could allow residents to grow up to six marijuana plants at home, raising questions about its potential impact on the state’s cannabis industry, including Cape Coral’s newly opened cannabis cafe, Seed and Bean.

The city of Cape Coral recently welcomed Seed and Bean, a 3,000-square-foot cannabis cafe, which is the first place in the state and most of the country where patrons can enjoy a mixed drink of alcohol with a side shot of THC.

“It’s pretty popular in Cape Coral,” said Patrick Grisbin, from Fort Myers.

Seed and Bean is required by the state to have both a cannabis and an alcohol license to operate.

“It’s a huge responsibility for us. But it’s something we can offer to the public that no one else can,” said Brian Nagle, general manager of Seed and Bean.

The cafe offers a full menu, along with alcohol and CBD and THC-infused products.

“We are one of the first in the country and state without a doubt that has the ability to sell cannabis products along with a full bar,” Nagle added.

The proposed bill raises questions about its impact on businesses like Seed and Bean. Nagle compared the situation to growing tomatoes and cucumbers at home but still purchasing them from the grocery store.

“I equate that to tomatoes and cucumbers in my backyard, but I still go to the grocery store,” he said.

Many patrons, like Joan Fujikawa from Fort Myers, agree with the idea of homegrown marijuana.

“If you can grow tomatoes and lettuce, why not marijuana for recreational use?” she said.

Seed and Bean owner Cole Peacock and other experts consider the bill a long shot.

“We have regulated product that is safe, secure, that’s tested and approved. You know when you get it, it is 100% pure,” Peacock said.

The bill stipulates that home-grown plants can only be grown from state-approved dispensaries. Grisbin noted the challenge of tracking the origin of seeds.

“Sometimes they produce their own seeds, so it’s not impossible to think they would produce their own seeds to grow it at home, and then how do they keep track if came from a dispensary or not?” he said, highlighting the complexity of the issue.

Voters may have the final say next November on whether they want recreational marijuana. “I personally think it is a great idea,” Fujikawa said.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.