The new ordinance prohibits the transportation and sale of recreational marijuana unless by a medical cannabis dispensary, effectively banning recreational-only dispensaries from operating in the city, Scottsdale.org reported.
This means that the ordinance prohibits any recreational cannabis retail sales that are not operating as a dual licensee and by prohibiting the operation of a testing facility, meaning that the 26 equity licenses for recreational dispensaries that will be available are not applicable to operate and sell in those cities
Ordinance No. 4949 states the following: Proposition 207 allows current nonprofit medical dispensaries in the state to become “dual licensees,” meaning they will be permitted to sell marijuana to medical marijuana cardholders for medical purposes and to non-cardholders for recreational purposes. Because there is a medical dispensary already operating within Chandler, the City Council would not be able to prohibit all sales of recreational marijuana.
While the City cannot prevent recreational marijuana sale and consumption in Chandler, the proposed Ordinance No. 4949 takes reasonable steps to limit sales activity in Chandler, as the law permits, by prohibiting any recreational marijuana retail sales that are not operating as a dual licensee and by prohibiting the operation of a testing facility.
Both ordinances in Chandler & Mesa would also prohibit the use of recreational cannabis on City-owned property. Residents would still be able to use cannabis for personal consumption in certain private locations unless prohibited by the property owner.
Like Chandler, Mesa’s city council will vote on Dec. 8 on regulating recreational cannabis in their city. Ordinance No. 20-1212, drafted by the city attorney’s office and police department.