Little by little, we are slowly getting closer to having marijuana dispensaries open in Arizona. Now that the lottery numbers have been drawn and 99 applicants have been awarded Dispensary Registration Certificates, what can we expect to see change in the next few days or weeks? Probably very little.
These brave 99 applicants now have ten months open their doors to patients. Most applicants we’ve spoken to say it will probably take 3 to 6 months to get their doors open. Before marijuana dispensaries can officially being selling marijuana to Arizona card holders, they must first meet the Arizona Department of Health’s “Approval to Operate” criteria, which includes scale site plans, copies of all permits, a formal inspection, and a bunch of other info.
In addition, The AZ Attorney General issued an Opinion and a media release yesterday about the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act stating that the voter approved Act is pre-empted by Federal Law. Even though it was only an opinion, it may be foreshadowing possible delays for dispensaries.
Even though it has been over a year and a half since we voted for the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act and there still aren’t any marijuana dispensaries open, we are one big step closer. You can show your support for medical marijuana in Arizona by contacting your State Representatives and County Attorneys to let them know how you feel.
As soon as the marijuana dispensaries are open in Arizona, you will be able to find them all on AZmarijuana.com in our Marijuana Dispensary Directory. You’ll be able to see all the dispensaries in Arizona as well as menus, reviews and pictures.
Until the dispensaries open, you can still find the best marijuana in Arizona from other patients and caregivers. Check out our marijuana classifieds and our marijuana delivery directory to find some medicine near you. You can also check out our marijuana reviews from real AZ caregivers and patients.