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AZ Dispensaries Warn New Testing Law Will Cause Shortages & Price Increases


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A new law starting on Nov 1, 2020 will require that Arizona dispensaries test all medical marijuana via state-approved third-party testing labs before selling it to patients. However, many dispensaries warn that the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has left the industry unprepared for the new law.

Some dispensaries are cautioning the governor, state officials and patients that there aren’t enough testing labs to adequately test the massive looming influx of cannabis that will soon be required to be tested, and that this will cause a drastic shortage as testing labs try to cope. Furthermore, the cost of testing medical marijuana will likely force dispensaries to increase their prices.

The ADHS is responsible for approving and licensing third-party marijuana testing labs; however, an industry insider claims that the ADHS has only approved a few testing labs, and that in order for Arizona’s medical marijuana supply chain to function properly there should be numerous testing labs.

NORML just launched a petition to persuade Governor Ducey and the ADHS to stop and reconsider the testing law.

“Medical marijuana dispensaries and testing laboratories across the state are already warning that Arizona is unprepared to begin its testing program,” NORML stated. “Right now, no laboratories are fully up and running due to COVID-19 and the Department of Health Services’ approval practices.”

NORML claims that the new testing law will lead to widespread medical marijuana shortages and significant price increases at Arizona dispensaries, just as it did in California and Oregon.


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Arizona legalized marijuana for recreational use in November 2020. The law allows adults aged 21+ to purchase, possess and use cannabis. State-licensed cannabis dispensaries began selling recreational marijuana in early 2021. There are over 150 dispensaries in Arizona — a majority of them are in populous areas such as Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff. Recreational cannabis delivery services began operating in 2024.  


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