June 7th marked the deadline for allocated dispensaries to file their request for an Approval to Operate from the Medical Marijuana Program. The lawsuit filed last month allowed for 15 of the 98 allocated dispensaries to submit their Approval to Operate applications after the June 7th deadline, however, all but one submitted their applications by the original deadline. So far, 47 dispensaries have been inspected and approved to operate and 35 of those are open and operating throughout the State. Approximately 90% of all Arizonans now live within 25 miles of an operating dispensary.
The dispensary program is busy continuing to conduct inspections, with about 17 scheduled over the next few weeks. To prepare for a potential rush to complete all 98 Approval to Operate inspections by August 6th, the dispensary program is training Licensing and EMS surveyors out in the field so that they can help out with inspections if needed. Thank you to all that have volunteered!
Looks like the AzDHS is at it again! Another lottery to come and steal patients ability to provide for their own health.
Dear Sir,
Unconstitional laws are not laws!
What measures can you take as Director of the Department to amend the rule/s pertaining to the 25 Mile Clause?
When the great citizens of Arizona see the amount of money being spent fighting against the will of the People ‘to provide for their own health’ the whole Program may be at risk of failure or non compliance. What happens when the Medical Marijuana Fund is at zero dollars because of lawsuits for violating the People’s will written in our State Constitituion?
The 25 mile rule is in the statute. While we have Rulemaking authority, we don’t have the ability to trump Statute with Administrative Code.
We did have the flexibility to Grandfather grow rights until card renewal or an address change- which I did (but didn’t have to). As I mentioned, the 25 mile distance is in voter approved Statute and can’t be overturned by Agency Rule
I live within 25 miles of a dispensary, can I legally purchase my medicine from “other sources”such as the farmers market even though there are multiple dispensaries open nearby. Can I be arrested, I’m very worried and confused?
The (names deleted) Farmers Markets thrives on patients and caregivers who still have their cultivation rights. The farmers offer small amounts of free cannabis to patients with the purchase of raffle tickets and items such as clothing, glassware, smoking utensils, art, consultations, and donations to non-profits. They are very safe events and offer security inside and in free parking area at all events.
(name deleted) has consulted with legal counsel as well as consulted with local law enforcement to assure patient safety!
I’m not a lawyer and this isn’t legal advice… but basically the law says that patients can “give” Cannabis to another patient as long as nothing of value is exchanged in return. As soon as something of value other that patient to patient Cannabis is exchanged the transaction lies outside the scope of the protections that the Act provides.
It’s more complicated when it comes to patients and designated caregivers.
I like the farmers market!!!!! I was able to buy 25-$10 raffle tickets and get an ounce of my favorite marijuana for less than my local dispensary.
No tax, no limit, no hassle, no questions and no police!
I decided to buy some more for my friends!!!
Still confused but not worried.
Well Mr. Humble,
you can overturn your own decision.
This “as the crow flies” interpretation of the 25 Mile Rule is ridiculous.
Given all the variables being considered, surely a more responsible way of doing this is available to your staff. We can easily obtain TRUE assessment of the less than 25 miles patients will be forced to drive to attain medicine by having your staff utilize a GPS, Google Earth, or MapQuest for directions rather than such an archaic method. (“As the crow flies” Really?)
Remember Mr. Humble this Prop was intended to help chronically ill patients. I have heard of patients who are over 30 miles from a dispensary being denied cultivation rights and forced to drive 30+ miles to a dispensary. It’s an outrage. Chronic illness often entails disabilities and limited incomes. Long 20-30 mile drives to get meds and add in gas prices… I could whine all day about symptoms, complaints and financial burden but the bottom line is you should be fair in your implementation of this law which can affect so many lives. You should be fair to these patients who are expecting fair treatment from their health director.
Be considerate and allow accurate distance calculations at the very least!
Authorizing your staff to utilize GPS, Google Earth or MapQuest to determine more accurate distances is a very simple process, requiring minimal training and oversight.
Thank You,
B.R. Baker, RN, MSN
Also how can your surveyors be approving so called “clinical Medical Marijuana Dispensaries” without even a restroom for patients to use. I have been forced to sit in line for 30-40 mins at some dispensaries here in Tucson and no bathroom. So what are you guys inspecting for? A room with a counter on it does not need much inspection. Every dispensary I have been in has a back door per fire marshal order, so why not shut them down since they are in violation. You guys just pick and choose how you want this program to work.
They are limited to 1 entrance but can have an emergency exit that patients don’t use.
Nice work putting this right back on the street. True story, my Mexican neighbor invited family and friends over for a party when he found out the nearest compassion club was shuttered. Two steps forward, ten steps back. Cut your (explative deleted) nose off to spite your face. Idiots.
Alright, alright…..perhaps I was a bit hasty. And testy. I’ve just returned from (name removed by Will) dispensary and things are fine. They are not that far and the operation, itself, is far superior than the compassion clubs. In fact, they operate the very way I had always imagined dispensaries to operate. I was just angry from driving around the corner to find the club shut down with a note from you on the door. All is well, carry on.
How can people help change the “as the crow flies” rule? We here in Arivaca want to help do what we can do.