New Cannabis Group In Arizona Opposes Recreational Pot Initiative, Plots An Alternative

A new marijuana industry group intends to fight a planned initiative for recreational marijuana in Arizona and work with the state Legislature to bring a competing proposal to the 2020 ballot.

The Smart and Safe Arizona Act filed with the state in August leaves out key industry players and prioritizes the interests of the companies that already control the marijuana market, according to Mason Cave, an advisory board member with the new Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.

Formed in July, the group consists of growers, manufacturers, dispensary owners, bankers, recommendation-writing doctors, and others who want to see recreational marijuana pass in 2020. But they have their own ideas about the best way to make that happen.

Cave, a consultant for the state’s marijuana industry who also served as CEO of his own grow operation, said the chamber’s vision would be a measure that opens up more opportunities to people hoping to enter the industry, instead of putting dispensaries first.

“The initiative is really the big companies’ initiative,” Cave said. “I’m for smarter, wiser legislation over those guys’ pockets.” [Read more at Phoenix New Times]