After years of trying to get a ballot measure to legalize marijuana, Arizona voters will get their chance in November after a judge dismissed a lawsuit to stop the measure.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Jo Lynn Gentry dismissed a lawsuit filed by 13 individuals and groups, including Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk, Republican Rep. Paul Boyer, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and others. The group said it will file an appeal to the decision.
The ballot measure, called Proposition 205, asks voters to legalize marijuana for recreational use and establish licensed businesses where sales would be taxed.
While marijuana remains illegal under federal law, the Regulation and Taxations of Marijuana Act would allow adults 21 and older in Arizona to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants in their homes.
Glendale Police Department, while not taking a stand on political issues, said that whatever voters decide, they will continue to enforce any laws enacted.
As a police department, it is our duty to enforce the laws, said Glendale Public Information Officer Scott Waite. We do not lobby for or against any political positions. As the laws change, we will continue to enforce the laws and focus on the reduction of serious crimes.
If passed, Prop. 205 would place a 15 percent tax on the sale of marijuana and revenue would be deposited in a marijuana fund and distributed to the departments of Marijuana Licenses and Control and the Department of Revenue. Any localities where marijuana establishments would exist, school districts and charter schools, and the Arizona Department of Health Services would also receive funds from the tax.
Proponents of the proposition claim an additional $53.4 million in government revenue would be generated in fiscal year 2019 and $82 million in fiscal year 2020.
They also add that the proposition distributes funds with 40 percent distributed to school districts and charter schools for education-related expenses; 40 percent to school districts and charter schools for full-day kindergarten; and 20 percent to Arizona Poison Control for education campaigns about the harms of marijuana, alcohol and other substances.
Waite said if voters pass the proposition, it would not change the way they patrol.
We dont view enforcement on marijuana laws as pretexts, Waite said. It is our duty to enforce laws that are on the books, that is what we do.
Current driving under the influence laws would not change with the passing of Prop. 205.
Under the law, it is a violation to operate a vehicle while impaired. The use of marijuana impairs a persons ability to drive, Waite said. The use of alcohol and prescription drugs, which are both legal, also impair the ability to drive. Even if marijuana is legalized, I expect it will remain a violation of law to drive while under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs and marijuana.
He said the police department stance would not change how they serve the public.
The Glendale Police Department has a duty to protect and serve our citizens and we will enforce the laws, even as it evolves, Waite said. Our job is to keep our community sage and we will continue to provide our citizens with the highest quality of service.
In Peoria, the police, while also not taking a stand on the proposition, did release a statement on the issue.
We appreciate reaching out on this issue and we know that this is an issue that can affect all of us, said Peoria Public Information Officer Brandon Sheffert. This topic is definitely one of interest and one that will be decided by voters in Arizona.
Peoria said that no matter what voters decide, it will not affect the way they do their jobs.
No matter the outcome, we will continue to provide the citizens of Peoria with the highest quality of service possible, Sheffert said.
Arizonas measure is similar to Colorado Amendment 64 passed in 2012 and implemented two years later. Sales reached $700 million in the first year on sale in Colorado in 2014.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Marijuana Legalization Wont Change Enforcement
Author: Darrell Jackson
Contact: 623-842-6000
Photo Credit: Nick Oza
Website: The Glendale Star
