RLG Medical Marijuana Co-chair Ryan Hurley says lawsuits and politics have delayed dispensaries opening, which has made it hard for patients to find a ‘safe and reliable source of medicine.’
By Alexis Bechman
Payson Roundup
No one knows for sure where a dispensary will open in Payson, but one thing is clear — if you have a medical marijuana identification card in Gila County, you won’t be prosecuted.
On Tuesday, despite serious legal concerns, the state Department of Health Services selected more than 100 dispensary operators throughout the state.
Health Services issued a dispensary certificate for Payson to one of the nine applicants, giving them authority to grow medical marijuana and sell it. However, the identity of the winner of the dispensary certificate in northern Gila County remains confidential for the moment.
None of the dispensaries seem likely to operate until a judge rules on the conflict between state and federal law.
That means hundreds of local residents with identification cards permitting them to use marijuana to treat certain medical conditions could grow their own.
State law currently allows them to grow up to 12 plants for their own use or get it from a caregiver, an authorized grower.
Gila County Attorney Daisy Flores says her office has not prosecuted anyone for possessing or growing marijuana if they had a valid medical marijuana card and complied with the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA).
Flores said she would likely not go after dispensaries when they open, but would evaluate prosecution “on a case by case basis.”
Arizona voters determined that dispensaries should be permitted if in compliance with our Arizona law, as county attorney, I must respect the will of the people,” she said.
Also:
Medical Marijuana Legal Concerns / KAET Video
Good News For Supporters Of Legalized Pot/The Huffington Post
