A Republican lawmaker in Arizona has persuaded almost of the Legislature to support a proposal that would require medical marijuana to be tested for safety.
The drug would be tested for mold and agricultural chemicals.
Sen. Sonny Borrelli has proposed that bill that would appropriate $2 million from the state’s huge medical marijuana fund to do the testing.
The bill would also have a benefit to people by lowering the $150 annual fee that patients need to pay to get a medical marijuana card to $50 and $25 for a renewal.
“Customers need to know what’s going on with this stuff they are buying that they are convinced that it’s going to help them,” Borrelli said. “We want to make sure that they understand that it’s not as pure and organic as they think it is.”
The Arizona Dispensary Association issued the following statement in regards to Borrelli’s proposal:
“SB 1420 may mark the beginning of a seismic shift for medical cannabis in the state. The sponsor is a senior Republican, a committee chairman, and a conservative. The fact that he is leading the way on these improvements to the program is a terrific starting point and a remarkable example of what can be accomplished when the state’s leadership and the cannabis industry are working together.” – Joe DeMenna (Spokesman for ADA)
