All Signs Point To Legalization As The Smart And Safe Arizona Act Gains Traction Amongst Voters
If there’s one issue we can expect to see bipartisan support for in Arizona, it’s cannabis. In a recent poll of Arizona voters, approximately 65% of respondents said they are likely to vote “Yes” on the Smart and Safe Arizona Act in November. Progressive, conservative, old, and young voters alike support the bill in significantly higher numbers in the shadow of the economic impact of COVID-19 and national unrest, which is expected to leave Arizona’s state budget with a $1.1 billion deficit.
After having seen the positive effects of the medical cannabis market in the state, voters are increasingly optimistic about the economic and social value of recreational cannabis in the state. Since its launch in 2010, Arizona’s medical marijuana program has served over 225,000 patients in the state, selling more than $500 million of medical marijuana and generating approximately $46 million in state tax revenue in 2018 alone. The Smart and Safe Act encourages these medical marijuana businesses to expand in the state by offering these license holders first priority to adult-use licenses.
Under the Smart and Safe Act, cannabis sales would be taxed at 16 percent. Adults would be able to possess up to an ounce of cannabis at a time and cultivate up to 6 plants for personal use. The Act would initially cap the number of retail stores at 150 statewide, but a number of these licenses will be reserved for rural and social equity communities. Tax revenues would cover cannabis program implementation costs, as well as fund community colleges, infrastructure, justice reinvestment, and public services, including police and firefighters. The Department of Health Services would issue and regulate cannabis business licenses, which leaves the decision of allowing delivery services in the agency’s hands.
If you are interested in learning more about new licensing opportunities or expanding your medical marijuana business in in Arizona, contact the legal team at Global Go to start planning for successful expansion!
Simone Sandoval
Partner / Director of Licensing and Compliance
Simone focuses on cannabis licensing and compliance and has extensive experience in understanding and deciphering complex cannabis regulations. Prior to entering the cannabis industry, Simone worked in Washington, D.C. as an intern for Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36). During her time on the Hill, she worked on legislation, and researched policy on renewable energy, healthcare, and tribal relations.
About Global Go
Global Go provides sophisticated consulting services to the global cannabis and hemp industry. In tandem with strategic allies around the world, Global Go serves clients throughout the world from offices in Bogota, Chicago, Desert Hot Springs, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, New York, Silicon Valley, and Toronto. Powered by a team of cannabis industry pioneers and world-class consultants, Global Go helps leading cannabis funds and companies assess and enter new markets; acquire assets; raise capital; launch new product lines; improve SOPs; comply with regulations; implement technology and security systems; find talent; diagnose and execute solutions to growth obstacles; and apply for cannabis licenses (with a 99% success rate on over 150 cannabis license applications across the United States). Learn more at https://globalgo.consulting.