After Arizona Department of Health Services released draft rules for the 26 social equity recreational cannabis licenses Prop 207 created, Gary Smith wrote an opinion column for Phoenix Business Journal asserting the rules ignore vast communities Prop 207 sought to benefit.
Contending that ADHS can and must do better, Gary outlines Arizona and U.S. cannabis history, explaining how people of color suffered a disproportionate brunt of America’s cannabis experience. He also highlights the ADHS rules’ shortcomings, including how they leave social equity licenses vulnerable to exploitation and ultimately at risk to disappear out of the hands for whom they were intended.
A leading cannabis attorney in Arizona, Gary frequently shares his far-reaching cannabis law insights with media and industry groups. He founded and currently serves as president of the Arizona Cannabis Bar Association and is also a board member at the Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. He assists cannabis clients in uncovering opportunities, overcoming challenges and remaining compliant.