phx, you are a smart guy i can tell from reading your posts, so this is not directed at you, but to the reader who has a vote that we need to change things, but is not an MMJ patient.The state looked at How much in Taxes collected, license revenue & fees they would receive and didn't care about passing a law that would create a monopoly in the MMJ industry.
Thats why I always bought the Park Place & Board Walk right away - Eventually someone will land on your property and get Shat on!
Time to drag AMMA to jail and NOT collect $200 for passing GO (Prop203)
-Monopoly
I dont think any MMJ patients like the 25 mile rule, unless you are one of the 126 enties that "is here to help us MMJ pateints"
"the state" didnt pass any laws as far as i understand it; the "people of az" passed the law that was not written by the state. it was written by private citizens, and passed by public election.
I dont think anyone really read the details of the law,...........I know i did not.
therefore, the state didnt have anything to do with this other than being obligated by law to enact the law that was placed on the ballot by private citizens, not by public political offices.
to me, legally, the real issue is what is the INTENT of this law as passed by the voters.
it was not to create o business monopoly that i am sure of.
in my opinion; the citizens of AZ DID NOT vote on this law to have 126 enties become a monopoly to drain the pockets of 16,000( currently, but still a huge minority of the state) patients who are faced with needing a long term option to dangerous pharmacutical drugs.
they voted on this law because they know the facts that MJ is not the "reefer madness dangerous drug" that people have been conditioned to beileve.
it was voted in because persons with medical conditions should not be made criminals for choosing to use a natural substance that alleviates their conditons symptoms as opposed to using man made stuff that creates many other problems.
this is NOT about people partying and getting high, this is about medical needs and the rights of people to choose safer alternatives than the "govt approved meds" that are dangerous.
truthfully those meds are part of a monopoly in itself with the laws and (current) acceptability of their uses dispite the dangers of them.
I have no expectations that the right thing, which would be to allow for a choice of growing with dispensaries opened, will be done since this (law) is about $ and politics; not improving (sick) peoples quality of life.
i have learned in my life that politics is not about doing what is right and wrong, it is about $. follow the $ trail and you will find your answers to anything political that doesnt otherwise make sense.