In just about a week and a half, voters will decide whether to legalize medical marijuana in Florida.

And a growing number of cities across Central Florida are poised to put a stop to dispensaries.

News 13 spoke with some city leaders who say they are watching cautiously -- as voters head to the polls.

Medical marijuana could be voted into law in less than two weeks, but already a number of Florida city leaders - like here in Eustis, say they are concerned about the impact Amendment 2 would have if it passes.

“Well the concern is for the public health, safety and welfare,” said Acting City Manager of Eustis Dianne Kramer.

Kramer is just one of  a growing number of officials enacting or preparing legal language for medical marijuana moratoriums within their city limits. That would mean no shop could be built or opened until getting the go ahead from the city.

“This is a preventive measure to make sure that we have the right regulations in place when and if this becomes something that is allowed that we will have the proper measures in place to protect our citizens,” said Kramer.

Kramer says the moratorium would last a maximum of 280 days and would give city officials time to decide where dispensaries could be located along with times of operation and other regulations.

Other cities in central Florida are also working on moratoriums, like Titusville, Casselberry and Lake Mary.

“Initially when this law was first out on the ballot and being talked about we had directed staff to come up with some ordinances and codes and things in preparation if it did pass, how were we going to handle and regulate those facilities,” added Lake Mary Commissioner Jo-Ann Lucarelli.

Lucarelli says city officials there had one common concern on their minds.

“Abuse. Definitely as it relates to our youth. Lake Mary is very involved with the dare program. We have DUI programs and other programs where we reach out and try to educate the youth about drug abuse. So that is a definite concern,” said Lucarelli.

She says while she supports the intent of the amendment – she says city leaders have to be extra careful, examining the potential for crime and other negatives for the city.

“If you don’t carefully write these laws and consider some of those unintended consequences they can really backfire and blow up in your face later,” Lucarelli concluded.