Once Prop 207 became law, even the legal industry wondered what it meant for Arizona businesses. Writing for Arizona Attorney, Gary Smith helped legal professionals understand Prop 207’s strict regulations, as well as some unintended consequences for the state’s burgeoning cannabis industry.
Restrictions include the number of licenses the Department of Health may issue — no more than two per county. Additionally, municipalities may regulate the specific areas where facilities can be built or used, limit the permissible number of facilities or even prohibit new marijuana businesses.
Gary also explains some unintended consequences, including how these rules may restrict legislators’ ability to grant licenses within the proposition’s heralded social equity program. Additionally, Gary says regulations enacted at the municipal level may prove premature and reactionary, as Prop 207 is not a free-for-all and contains many guardrails.
Gary is among Arizona’s leading cannabis attorneys, frequently sharing his expertise with media and industry groups. He founded and currently serves as president of the Arizona Cannabis Bar Association. He is also a board member at the Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.