Arizona: Social Equity Licensing Struggles & Concerns Over Unintended Cannabis Exposure Among Children

Private Investors And Corporations Seize Control

In Arizona, social equity license holders are facing a daunting challenge, scrambling to open marijuana dispensaries amidst legal and financial hurdles.

They are constrained by an October deadline while powerful private investors and major cannabis corporations wrest control. "In at least four recent cases, licensees wound up on the losing end of legal battles," reported the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting (AZCIR).

Despite the Proposition 207 initiative aimed to “promote the ownership and operation of marijuana establishments by individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of previous marijuana laws,” it seems that the tables have turned unfavorably for these individuals.

Arizona’s social equity program, rather than fulfilling its intended purpose, has been manipulated by well-financed entities. "Existing corporate dispensaries now own half the licenses outright," according to AZCIR. Amidst this power struggle, the issue of child safety looms large.

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Child Poisoning Cases Rise

The safety of edible cannabis products has been pulled into the spotlight, particularly regarding their effects on children. "Banner University Medical Center Phoenix Poison and Drug Information Center received 157 calls about children in 2021... a 67% increase from the prior year," reported Maureen Roland, a registered nurse and director of the center.

With the legalization of marijuana for adults over 21, there has been a noticeable increase in child poisoning cases associated with THC edibles, reported AZ Central.

Arizona law mandates childproof packaging for edibles and imposes limits on recreational edibles’ potency. However, the rise in cases of children falling ill underscores the urgency for reinforced safety measures and public education on the responsible use and storage of these products.

Adults, especially new users and the elderly are not immune to the negative impacts of these products. "You have some elderly people that are maybe just starting to use and not understanding dosages and having mishaps," Roland said. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center noted a general decrease in THC-related calls but underscored the persistence of incidents involving edibles.

Read Next: More Children Getting Sick From Accidental Consumption Of Cannabis Edibles, 1,375% Increase In Five Years

Image by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash