§ 17.18.010. Purpose.

The purpose for the creation of title 17, chapter 17.18, sections 17.18.010 to 17.18.060 is to implement the provisions of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (Act), passed by the Arizona voters on November 2, 2010. The Act allows a "qualifying patient" who has a "debilitating medical condition" to obtain an "allowable amount of marijuana" from a "nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary" and to possess and use the marijuana to treat or alleviate the debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the medical condition. The Act requires the Arizona Department of Health Services to adopt and enforce a regulatory system for the distribution for medical use, including a system for approving, renewing, and revoking the registration of qualifying patients, designated caregivers, nonprofit dispensaries, and dispensary agents.

The Act further requires compliance with local governmental zoning rules and regulations including local approval before a dispensary is given permission to operate, for a local law enforcement plan for the disposal of "unusable marijuana" and for reporting of missing or stolen marijuana. This newly created chapter addresses the City of Willcox code regulations related thereto.

(Ord. NS306, § 2, 2011)

State Law reference— Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, A.R.S. 36-2801 et seq.

DHS Rule Reference: Title 9, Health Services, Chapter 17, DHS medical marijuana program.