Ariz. Legislature Mulls Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative

A bill that would put medical marijuana to an up-or-down vote on Arizona’s ballot in November passed the state Senate by a 17-12 margin, the Arizona Republic reported March 26. 

If ratified by the House, Senate Bill 1222 would go to the ballot box with provisions for a state sales tax and a $20-per-ounce luxury tax, making Arizona potentially the first state to impose a statewide tariff on marijuana.

Five Republicans supported the bill, although some others opposed it because of its tax features.

The initiative would allow terminally and seriously ill patients with a doctor’s recommendation to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks.