Arizona House bill by Rep. Bolick modifies medical marijuana dispensary registration

Passed bill authored by State Rep. Shawnna Bolick seeks to update the certification process for nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries, emphasizing compliance with zoning restrictions and eligibility criteria for dispensary officers, according to the Arizona State Senate.

It passed both chambers as of March 18, clearing the House by a vote of 56-2 and the Senate by a vote of 29-0.

The bill, introduced as SB1105 on Jan. 14, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘medical marijuana dispensaries; location’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill modifies the registration and certification process for nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries in Arizona. It mandates that a dispensary must register with the department and comply with zoning restrictions, ensuring locations are not within 500 feet of schools, child care facilities, or preschools existing prior to application. The bill stipulates that principal officers and board members cannot have felony convictions, previous revocations of dispensary registration, or be under 21. The department may issue one dispensary certificate for every ten pharmacies registered, ensuring at least one per county with an approved application. Criminal records checks are permitted for enforcement. The bill will become effective with a three-fourths legislative vote.

In the House, 26 Democrats and 30 Republicans voted in favor while two Republicans opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 12 Democrats and 17 Republicans voted in favor, with no opposing votes.

Bolick introduced the bill in the Arizona Senate on Jan. 14 during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature.

The bill was sponsored by Catherine Miranda (Democrat-11th District).

Bolick graduated from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 1997 with a BA.

Shawnna Bolick is currently serving in the Arizona State Senate, representing the state’s 2nd Senate District. She replaced previous state senator Steve Kaiser in 2023.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs on March 25.

In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.