The Arizona law is great in some respects but it's still too strict in other areas. I live here already and I still don't totally understand what we're voting on. All I really know is it's progress that can be modified later and we need to support it.
I'm not sure what this translates to, but caregivers (growers) cannot receive compensation for what they produce, only reimbursement from the state for costs incurred. Dispensaries are totally non-profit, but I assume the people running them are still able to give themselves a salary deemed "reasonable". The number of patients being served probably determines the size and salary range of the dispensary. If you live more than 25 miles from a dispensary you can grow 12 plants. If you are a caregiver you can grow for up to 5 people, but I'm not sure if you're able to do it within the 25 mile zone of the nearest dispensary or not. The list of illnesses a person must have in order to qualify for a card is very brief and specific, and unless you have a near terminal or disabling disease you most likely aren't going to have legal access.
I understand that dispensaries are allowed to produce their own marijuana off-site in another location, but I don't know if they can source from other growers or how those growers receive ANY legal compensation. The way it's written makes me skeptical that the industry can be a successful source of income for the people involved, which is really unfortunate and a direct consequence of a highly illegal product being sold right along side it's medical counterpart - prohibition in other words. They are worried that more criminal-minded people will get involved if there is a substantial profit motive. Questionable people are already involved because of fucking stupid fucking prohibition anyway! Besides, if you're a grower would you rather deal with sick patients for little or no profit or sell to a dealer for 4K a pound?
I admittedly don't have a good understanding of how California's medical laws are structured or how things work at the dispensaries regarding taxes and income. The issue of legal medical herb in Arizona is still exciting and hopefully some of you can shed light on what I hope are a few misconceptions on my part. Pot obviously isn't free and I'm mostly wondering how to potentially profit from this new law as a grower. I'm just not sure if it's going to be worth going on food stamps because the state of Arizona is determined to make sure potential growers can't make a buck less they morph into Al Capone.