Arizona Medical Marijuana Prop 203 Passes – Answers to What Now?

News Article by: James Novak, Arizona DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney You have heard by now that after the last vote was counted Arizona voters said “yes” to Prop 203, The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, joining 14 other states in the USA. The measure approves legalizing medical marijuana (pot, weed, cannabis). Here’s brief summation of the answer to the question on everyone’s mind is “What’s next?” regarding certification of the votes; when the law takes effect; how it will be implemented; who will be eligible to obtain it; how it is dispensed; where it can be purchased. Below is what has been reported by several local Arizona News Agencies:

1) Certification of the Votes – The votes will be canvassed (certified for authenticity) by November 29, 2010.

2) The Arizona Department of Health Services has 120 days, or April 29, 2011 from that day to finalize all rules for implementation.

3) Then the Arizona Department of Health Services is expected to begin reviewing dispensary information as well as qualification of patient applications by April 2011.

4) To apply and qualify, patients must get a recommendation from their licensed physician and register with the Arizona Department of Health Services. The State Health Department will issue certified ID cards to those who qualify to purchase the medical marijuana.

5)The measure allows patients with serious or terminal medical conditions or diseases, including, but not limited to those suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other chronic, debilitating, or disabling diseases such as glaucoma, and Alzheimer’s Disease that meet approved guidelines. This means Patients who gain certification to use medical marijuana will not be arrested or prosecuted for legally obtaining and using it.

6) The measure allows those qualified to purchase 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana every two weeks. Or if they live at least 25 miles from a legal dispensary they can grow a legal amount cultivate up to 12 plants if they live 25 miles or more from a legal dispensary the marijuana plants for their personal use.

7) The law allows a maximum of 124 dispensaries operated by non-profit organization when the law takes effect to begin with, which is proportionate to the number of pharmacies within the state.

Websites and other resources will be made available in the near future by government nonprofit and private agencies which will provide further information about Dispensaries for which the Marijuana can be purchased in the near future.

Also, users should be aware that Marijuana has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical use. Therefore the risks of the decision to use the medical marijuana and to prescribe will be a matter between the qualified user and their physicians.

more If you have been arrested in Maricopa County for AZ DUI other criminal charges contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor). The Law Office of James Novak is devoted 100% to defending DUI, Drug & criminal charges in valley wide within Maricopa County including Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert Arizona and surrounding cities.

This news article is intended to provide general information only, to generate discussion, and increase awareness of a particular topic. It is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstances.