Phoenix to propose distance regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries
Apr 7, 2016, 5:30 AM | Updated: 8:33 am
In this Dec. 27, 2013 file photo, employees trim away leaves from marijuana plants to be packaged and sold at a dispensary in Denver. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, file)
(AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, file)
PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix is proposing new distance regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries as Arizona looks to vote on recreational use of the drug in November.
Alan Stephenson, planning and development director for the city of Phoenix, said Mayor Greg Stanton and the city council have advocated for updating the medical marijuana regulations, specifically spacing requirements.
The new rules would regulate distances between marijuana dispensaries and buildings such as churches, residential areas and schools.
“We have some experience with some of these facilities in the community now and there is concern what the long term impacts may be on the surrounding community,” Stephenson said.
Dimitri Downing, a medical marijuana industry consultant, said the regulations are not necessary and are not based on any research or data.
“I will take anyone on a tour anywhere of any dispensary and we can walk 50 feet, 500 feet, 1,000 feet and they can see what actual, real activity occurs from those distances,” he said.
Downing said the situation is just another way that the local government is overstepping their boundaries.
“I promise you no elected official has gone and stood at any of those distances that they’re suggesting are appropriate for any of these things,” Downing said.
Without research, Downing said it is unfair to assume marijuana dispensaries will negative impacts on the surrounding areas.
In an example, he compared establishing pharmacies that sell potentially dangerous medication near churches and schools and other businesses.
“What are the real issues that the neighborhoods and the churches and the schools and the parks are confronted by, by having a (pharmacy) across the street?” Downing argued.
But Stephenson said the city is just trying to be proactive and make sure medical marijuana will not negatively impact surrounding properties.
“Because medical marijuana is still relatively unknown at this point, we want make sure that we are as proactive as we can in protecting the community,” he said.
The spacing requirement for medical marijuana dispensaries would not be any different than those for businesses with drive-thrus, check cashing businesses, etc.
The Phoenix City Council could make a decision on the regulations later this month.
