The ballot measure to legalize marijuana in Arizona passed with more than 59% of voters approving the initiative during Tuesday’s election, pending official election results being certified on November 30th. Here is what you need to know about Arizona Proposition 207 and how it will be implemented.
Arizona Prop 207 makes it legal for Arizona residents more than 21 years of age to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six marijuana plants at their residence.
Proposition 207 also sets up the Arizona system for retail sales of marijuana in the state and the strict rules and regulations for marijuana-infused products.
Arizona will be adding a 16% excise tax to all marijuana sales and current estimates from AZCentral expect between $200-300 million in taxes collected in the first year.
Arizona Department of Health Services will develop the complete rules and regulations for the program over the next few months and will manage dispensary and social equity license applications and registration.
How to Get Marijuana Convictions Expunged with Arizona Prop 207
Those with previous marijuana convictions or current marijuana related criminal matters in Arizona will be happy to know the ballot initiative for Arizona Prop 207 also includes provisions for previous marijuana convictions for possession of two and a half ounces or less to be expunged from your record. A request to expunge will need to be filed with the court where the charge was filed.
RSN Law attorneys can review your current case or previous charge and assist if you’re able to request it to be dismissed or expunged from your record. Our experience with Arizona criminal defense and cannabis law provide you with creative, competent, and cost-effective representation. Getting a previous criminal charge expunged from your record can make it easier to apply for a job, rent a home, get a loan, and open a business. Our firm is proud to make sure that justice is pursued for our clients.
Applying for Arizona Dispensary License
The process of applying for an Arizona dispensary license will be managed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, which currently operates the state’s Medical Marijuana Program. Medical marijuana dispensaries already operating in the state will be the first businesses able to sell marijuana to all adults more than 21 years old. There are currently 120 dispensaries in the state based on roughly how many traditional pharmacies are currently operating. The ballot initiative also includes provisions for social equity licenses reserved for communities historically targeted by marijuana laws.
Assisting Medical Marijuana Dispensaries with Transition
The current implementation plan estimates that March will be the first month dispensaries are able to open their business to non-medical card holders. Those dispensaries that stay compliant and safe during the transition will be in a much better position to take advantage of the initial rush of customers when the measure is fully approved and the implementation plans are finalized.
RSN Law can help dispensaries navigate the complicated legal regulations and requirements to operate. We can assist any active dispensary with the transition to full legalization in Arizona. Since it is a new process in the state and a business model that still conflicts with federal law, it will be especially important to have legal representation that has experience with those complexities.
Get Experienced Marijuana Law Attorneys in Arizona
The attorneys at RSN Law represent clients with an assortment of marijuana legal issues, from criminal defense to medical marijuana dispensary licensing and operations. We look forward to assisting our clients with the transition to legal marijuana businesses in Arizona. Our firm is also here to represent any Arizona resident dealing with a current marijuana possession charge or past conviction. Schedule an initial consultation with our attorneys online or call us at 480-712-0035 to get started today.
RSN Law intends this article to be for informational purposes, not to be relief on a specific legal matter, and do not create an attorney-client relationship.