By Georgann Yara , Special to the Arizona Republic
After medical marijuana was legalized in Arizona in 2011, dispensaries popped up all over the Valley ready to sell the alternative to traditional medicine to those deemed qualified.
For Elaine Burns, an Arizona-licensed and board-certified naturopathic medical doctor and strong supporter of medical cannabis, the question wasn’t whether patients had legitimate health concerns that warranted the treatment. It was whether those issuing medical marijuana cards and offering advice were capable and suited to do so.
If the medical cannabis industry were to grow and gain credibility, she knew there needed to be a better method. Burns provided that when she opened the Southwest Medical Marijuana Evaluation Center in 2011.
