By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services via Arizona Capitol Times
A Chandler firm that could lose business from legalized marijuana is now the largest contributor to a campaign to stop that from happening here.
Reports filed with the secretary of state’s office show Insys Therapeutics, whose sole product is an opiate spray to treat pain for cancer patients, gave $500,000 to Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy. That is nearly four times more than the second largest donation of $110,000 from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry to try to defeat Proposition 205.
J.P. Holyoak, who chairs the committee pushing the initiative, said the interest of pharmaceutical companies in keeping marijuana illegal comes down to protection of profits. He said firms don’t want the competition.
“It is a shame that those who purport to protect our children from dangerous drugs so easily get into bed with the manufacturer of the most deadly and addictive opiate there is just to protect their profits.”
~ Ryan Hurley is a partner in Rose Law Group and has represented dozens of medical marijuana clients.
