ARIZONA MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION – WILL PROPOSITION 207 PASS?

WILL ARIZONA’S RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION PROPOSITION PASS?

On November 3, 2020, Arizona voters will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 207, also known as the “Smart and Safe Arizona Act” to legalize adult-use/recreational marijuana in the state.

According to polls by sources including Monmouth University, OH Predictive Insights, and Higher Ground Public Affair Consultants, done between March and late September of 2020, the margin is close on the measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Arizona. Among registered voters, the average of 56% are in favor of the proposition and about 36% will vote against it. This margin shrinks among likely voters in a high turnout scenario (54% for and 38% against) and disappears in a low turnout scenario (52% for and 40% against). Registered voter support for the current ballot Proposition 207 comes from 67% of Democrats, 59% of independents, but just 32% of Republicans. It does seem likely this bill will pass but it may come down to which Arizonians turn out to vote.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROP 207

Prop 207: This proposition was filed by Smart and Safe Arizona on September 26^th, 2019. The proposition will legalize the use and possession of up to an ounce of marijuana to adults twenty-one (21) years of age and older.

If this proposition passes there will be an opportunity to apply for Marijuana Establishment Licenses as soon as January 2021. The “Social Equity Ownership Program,” adopted by the proposition will prioritize issuing licenses to owners who are from communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of previous marijuana laws. There will be a total of 160 marijuana establishment licenses available.

A marijuana establishment will be allowed to operate all of the following:

• A single retail location at which the licensee may sell marijuana and marijuana products to consumers, cultivate marijuana and manufacture marijuana products.
• A single off-site cultivation location at which the licensee may cultivate marijuana, process marijuana and manufacture marijuana products, but from which marijuana and marijuana products may not be transferred or sold to consumers.
• A single off-site location at which the licensee may manufacture marijuana products, and package and store marijuana and marijuana products, but from which marijuana and marijuana products may not be transferred or sold to consumers.

If passed the state will start accepting applications for marijuana establishment licenses from early applicants beginning January 19, 2021 through March 9, 2021.

• Early applicants are defined as either:
  • A marijuana establishment seeking to operate in a county with fewer than two registered nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries.
  • An existing medical marijuana business licensee that is registered and in good standing with the state.

For states that are pending legalization, like Arizona, we encourage those interested in starting a marijuana business, to focus on establishing your Business and Financial plans. If you are interested in applying for a marijuana business license in Arizona, email us to discuss how we may be able to assist you.