After weeks of waiting for movement, SB1230 — Marijuana; Clinical Research Trial — finally had its chance on the House floor, but it met a silent execution.
Sponsored by Senator Payne, the bill, SB1230, created to fix a problem with a law passed in 2021. The original law, HB2298, allowed the Arizona Biomedical Research Center to receive grants from the Medical Marijuana Fund for research approved by the FDA. These studies intended to explore the safety and effectiveness of marijuana, as well as its interactions with other drugs. HB2298 set aside up to $5 million annually for five years to fund this research through the Arizona Medical Marijuana Fund — a non-lapsing, state-controlled fund housed within the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). This fund collects fees from medical marijuana patients, caregivers, and dispensaries (e.g., application fees, renewal fees, and dispensary license fees).
However, because the original bill used the word “may” instead of “shall,” the issuance of research grants was never required, and the program never got off the ground.
Why SB1230 Mattered Now
SB1230 would have fixed all of that. With the Medical Marijuana Fund shrinking due to a decline in registered patients since the passaging of the Smart and Safe Arizona Act (Prop 207), SB1230 proposed to allocate $2 million a year — permitting funds are available — to finally get research started.
It wasn’t really a question of who voted for the measure; the final vote count was 13–39–8. And when reviewing the committee video online, no lawmakers explained their votes. Although rumors have been circulating behind the scenes, the official reason SB1230 failed to advance remains a mystery. Maybe it was the three amendments added to the measure. Maybe it was the sponsor. Who knows?
Motion to Reconsider Passes, Division Called
At the end of the House floor session, a motion to reconsider passed, a procedural step that leaves the door open for further action. Since the vote was not recorded on the roll board, a division was called following the motion to reconsider. A division is requested to obtain a more precise and transparent vote count, usually when the outcome of a voice vote—where members say “aye” or “no”—is unclear or disputed. It also serves to hold lawmakers publicly accountable for their votes. The Speaker of the House denied the motion for division. However, given that a division was called, the poor vote count, and the lack of explanation, this likely signals the end of cannabis research efforts for the year.
Still, the attempt reflects growing awareness of the need for cannabis research in Arizona. Though SB1230 may not have passed, it brought renewed attention to the issue — and the conversation is far from over.
Summary
SB1057 – Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities
(was) Commerce; trade; passport identification
Awaiting House Minority Caucus
No movement
SB1230- Marijuana; Clinical Research Trial
Awaiting House Motion to Reconsider (won’t happen)
Failed House Third Read
Passed Motion to Reconsider
Details
SB1057 – Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities (was) Commerce; trade; passport identification
Awaiting House Minority Caucus
No movement
04/17/2025 House Majority Caucus
04/14/2025 C&P House Rules
03/25/2025 House DPA/SE Commerce
03/25/2025 Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities
02/19/2025 commerce; trade; passport identification
02/11/2025 Fiscal Note Added
01/10/2025 Senate Introduced as working animal; harm; classification
Summary: Requires the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to issue rules pertaining to marijuana establishment licenses and nonprofit marijuana dispensary registration certificates. Defines the criteria needing to be included in determining eligibility for a license or certificate. Defines the purposes and scope of the licenses. Requires the ADHS to issue rules that allow the establishment of a Rural Opportunity Initiative to create tax revenue and economic opportunities for rural communities. Outlines deadlines for adopting and posting rules, accepting, processing and granting applications. Defines the criteria for eligibility for a license or certificate, including duel licenses or certificates. Requires at least three-fourths of the members of the legislature to support this legislation for it to become effective.
Sponsor: Sen. David Gowan
VPA- Voter Protection Act (Prop 105): Yes
MORE INFO
SB1230- Marijuana; Clinical Research Trial
Awaiting Motion Reconsider
05/04/2025 Passed House Motion to Reconsider
05/04/2025 Failed To Pass House 3rd Read (13-39-8)
–04/22/2025 DPA – House Committee of the Whole
04/16/2025 House Majority Caucus
04/16/2025 House Minority Caucus
04/14/2025 C&P House Rules
03/31/2025 Passed House Appropriations Committee (10-8-0)
03/24/2025 DPA House Health & Human Services (7-4-1)
03/13/2025 House 2nd Read
03/12/2025 House 1st Read
03/12/2025 Referred to House Health & Human Services Committee
03/12/2025 Referred to House Appropriations Committee
03/12/2025 Referred to House Rules
03/05/2025 Transmit to House
03/05/2025 PASSED Senate Third Reading (23-6-1)
03/03/2025 DPA Senate Committee of the Whole
02/18/2025 Senate Majority Caucus
02/18/2025 Senate Minority Caucus
02/17/2025 Senate Consent Calendar Object: Yes
02/17/2025 PFC – Senate Rules
02/11/2025 DP (Due Pass) Senate Appropriations (7-3-0)
02/05/2025 DP (Due Pass) Senate Health and Human Services (6-0-1)
01/28/2025 Senate 2nd Read
01/27/2025 Senate 1st Read
01/27/2025 Referred to Senate Rules Committee
01/27/2025 Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee
01/27/2025 Referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee
01/22/2025 Senate Introduced
Summary
Requires monies in the Medical Marijuana Fund to be used to provide grants for marijuana clinical trials conducted pursuant to state law, versus it being an option to use those funds in that manner. Stipulates that this legislation becomes effective only on the affirmative vote of at least three fourths of the members of each House of the legislature.
Sections Affected
36-2817- Amended
36-2822- Amended
Sponsor
Prime: Payne
VPA- Voter Protection Act (Prop 105): Yes
FOR MORE INFO
SENATE FACT SHEET: HHS-APPROP As Passed COW