Medical-marijuana dispensary application put on hold in PV

The Paradise Valley Town Council has agreed to postpone considering an application for a medical-marijuana dispensary.

Representatives of Mountain View Medical Center will bring back the application for a special-use permit on Sept. 8.

Jordan Rose of the Rose Law Group, which represents the medical center, asked for a continuance because the Arizona Department of Health Services has suspended the medical-marijuana dispensary program upon advice from state Attorney General Tom Horne.

The state filed the suit last month to determine whether the citizen-passed law legalizing medical marijuana in Arizona conflicts with federal drug laws.

"Until that is resolved, it doesn't make sense to go forward with a use permit because it's not possible right now to legally open a dispensary," Rose said. "Should the courts reinstate the program, it may take on a new face to accommodate whatever the legal opinion says, and the stipulations accompanying the amendment may once again need to be adjusted as a result."

THE PROPOSAL

The applicant has requested to operate a 2,000-square-foot medical-marijuana dispensary at a medical complex on the southeastern corner of Tatum and Shea boulevards. The operation would employ about seven people and sell smokeable and infused products, such as edible food items, pills, lotions and tonics, to qualifying patients.

BACKGROUND

In March, representatives of Mountain View Medical Center submitted the permit application. In April, the Planning Commission recommended council approval. But the council granted a continuance so the applicant could meet with residents near the medical center who had concerns.

ANOTHER APPLICANT

The town is reviewing one other special-use permit application for a medical-marijuana dispensary, in the Lincoln Plaza Medical Center, 7125 E. Lincoln Drive. It is on the Planning Commission's Tuesday agenda.

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Jun. 16, 2011 10:50 AM




Medical-marijuana dispensary application put on hold in PV