The end of session, rumored to be just around the corner — possibly as soon as next week. Only two cannabis-related bills remain in play, and expect both to hit the House Floor early next week.
SB 1230 – Medical Marijuana Research Grants
SB 1230 murdered in cold blood last week during its third reading in the House, going down in a 13-39-8 vote. This uncontroversial bill left bleeding on the chamber floor, despite its practical purpose and broad potential benefit.
It barely survived, clinging to life after a Motion to Reconsider passed — but only under heavy protest. A division was called signaling serious opposition. (A division forces a full vote count instead of a simple voice vote, ensuring every lawmaker goes on record. It’s used when the outcome is disputed or when members want public accountability for how each person voted.)
SB 1230 was intended to clean up a mess left by a 2021 law (HB 2298), sponsored by then-Rep. Payne. That law allowed the Arizona Biomedical Research Center to receive up to $5 million per year from the Arizona Medical Marijuana Fund to conduct FDA-approved research on marijuana’s safety, effectiveness, and drug interactions.
But because the statute used the word “may” instead of “shall,” the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) never actually released the funds. Despite legislative intent, the research never happened.
SB 1230 would have fixed that. The bill proposed a more modest $2 million per year allocation — contingent on available funds — to finally get the research underway. But time is running out, and so is the money. The Medical Marijuana Fund, which is supported by fees from patients, caregivers, and dispensaries, has been shrinking ever since the passage of Proposition 207 legalized recreational marijuana, reducing the need for medical cards.
Now, instead of being celebrated, SB 1230 has become a political whodunit. Rumors swirl over who helped kill it, and why. Despite being left for dead, the bill technically remains alive, and insiders suggest it could rise again for a final vote. But given the last vote count and the division call, its prognosis is grim.
SB 1057 – Rural Access (Maybe)
Also rumored to be heading to the House floor next week is SB 1057, sponsored by Sen. David Gowan. Its fate is much less clear — with observers calling it a coin toss.
SB 1057 addresses rural access to marijuana dispensaries, though there is debate over whether a real problem exists. Lobbyists for the Arizona Dispensaries Association, including Pele, have stated they have not received any complaints regarding rural access issues. However, others — including Sen. Gabaldon — have expressed support for the bill, thanking its sponsor for raising an issue that she and her constituents continue to face in obtaining legal cannabis.
As the bill heads to the floor, its fate remains uncertain. While some lawmakers have signaled support for improving rural access, others remain unconvinced the issue warrants legislative action. Without clear consensus — and with limited time left in the session — the vote could go either way. Insiders are calling it a toss-up, with the outcome likely to hinge on late lobbying efforts and behind-the-scenes negotiations in the final days.
Stay tuned. Next week could be the last stand for cannabis legislation this session — and the final curtain for measures still fighting to survive.
Summary
SB1057 – Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities
(was) Commerce; trade; passport identification
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 Cow
No movement
04/17/2025 House Minority Caucus
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
No Movement
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