The Arizona Department of Health Services yesterday issued the state’s first authorization to open a medical marijuana dispensary, but it went to a come-from-behind Glendale applicant and not a Tucson dispensary, as many had expected.

Although the Green Halo was the first in the state to ask for an inspection (in September) of its dispensary near Interstate 10 and South Wilmot Road, there were problems with the design and paperwork. So Arizona Organix beat them to the punch, getting authorization the same day of their inspection on Thursday. The “rigorous” application process has finally ended for the dispensary, but they won’t be open for at least a couple weeks, said their lawyer Ryan Hurley of Scottsdale. Boo.

So far six dispensaries have said they are ready for inspection. One in Tucson is scheduled for Tuesday, so we’ll see how soon they can open. Some dispensary operators are having trouble finding enough meds for initial inventory. Let’s hope they have stocked shelves by the time the state gets around to inspections.

This article appears in Nov 15-21, 2012.

More fun than FarmVille, more interesting than that Facebook friend you don't really remember from high school.

9 replies on “State Issues MMJ Dispensary License, So Dispense Already”

  1. So, if Green Halo didn’t get its CofO until October, why did they even bother asking in September? Being first to turn in the homework is kinda’ pointless if it ain’t complete, isn’t it?

  2. I didn’t read it as they didn’t have CofO but that their design and some of their paperwork was deficient so they didn’t pass MMJ inspection and weren’t authorized. This happens all the time during regular inspections for CofO, but CofO is done by a building inspector, not a health inspector (unless it’s a restaurant but wouldn’t it then be a County inspector?). Maybe you have more information than the story provides?

  3. “OBSIRED” Just step over the sick people that need medication.
    How stupid do these people running the so call “Authorized Inspection” think we are? No wonder this state is always in last place for everything it does. The people of AZ voted and pasted this measure over four years ago…..meanwhile the rest of the country is working on legalizing Marijuana for recreational purposes……As I said this state is dead last in all good things to come.
    If my figures are correct all monies the state has collected is somewhere around $1,680,000 if not more…..Wouldn’t you think the state could hirer a few more inspector’s?

  4. @ C17H19NO3 Dreams: City zoning info says Halo’s South Wilmot location did not get issued a CofO until mid-October. Hence curiosity about why they asked for inspection in September.

  5. Does anybody have the phone number to the green halo so I can call and set up an appointment

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