The Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce (AZC3), a private organization comprised of pro-cannabis Arizonans, has released the details for its proposed marijuana legalization initiative. The initiative needs to be approved by the Arizona Legislature for it to be allowed onto November 2020 ballots. The initiative will compete with the Smart & Safe Arizona initiative that was filed with the state earlier this year.
One of the key aspects of AZC3’s initiative is the large number of marijuana retail establishments (dispensaries) that would be allowed, Tucson.com reports.
Key points in AZC3’s initiative:
- Allows for up to 230 dispensaries
- 25% of the new licenses would be dedicated to rural areas in Arizona
- Possession of up to 1 oz. of marijuana
- 16% cap on excise taxes placed on purchases
- Testing requirements
- Industry to be regulated by the Arizona Dept of Liquor Licenses and Control
- Convictions expunged for previous marijuana possession of 1 oz. or less
If this initiative makes it onto the November 2020 ballots. Both could be approved by voters, which would create a little conflict.
The Arizona Legislature may not approve the proposed initiative for the ballots, but, if it does, it would likely trigger just enough disunity among Arizona voters to cause another failed attempt at marijuana legalization via ballot measure – just like in 2016.
If Arizonans want adult-use marijuana to get legalized in 2020 they will need to unite and all vote for one initiative – the Smart & Safe Arizona initiative.