Arizona: Cannabis Sales Hit $1 Billion & Policy Overhauled For New Mothers With Medical Marijuana Permission

Arizona’s cannabis sales have crossed the $1 billion mark in 2023, demonstrating a strong preference for recreational over medical marijuana. 

According to the Arizona Department of Revenue, recreational sales have consistently outstripped medical, a trend established since adult-use legalization. September saw medical sales dip to under $27 million, the lowest since January 2021, when recreational sales commenced, as Arizona Mirror reported.

The recreational market remains robust, maintaining monthly sales above $80 million. Since the start of recreational sales, the state’s cannabis industry has generated over $4 billion, with recreational sales contributing around $2.5 billion.

Tax revenues from the industry, particularly the excise tax on adult-use sales have significantly benefited community colleges, public safety, highway funds and services for communities impacted by marijuana criminalization.

This shift in market dynamics indicates a changing landscape in Arizona's cannabis industry, with recreational marijuana now leading the way.

Arizona Halts Child Abuse Probes Tied To Medical Marijuana

In a landmark decision, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) will no longer probe marijuana exposure in newborns when a parent holds a medical marijuana card, absent other child risk allegations. 

This policy change, set for next month, follows an Arizona Court of Appeals ruling that the state’s medical marijuana law shields such use under doctor’s supervision, reported AZ Central.

The case pivots around Lindsay Ridgell, who used medical marijuana for severe pregnancy nausea. Post-delivery, she faced a child welfare case for her newborn’s marijuana exposure. Despite retaining custody, Ridgell fought against a 25-year placement on the Central Registry, eventually triumphing.

Kathryn Ptak, general counsel for DCS, cites the necessity to align hotline protocols with legal standards post-Ridgell. Monthly, DCS receives 350-400 reports of substance-exposed newborns, 60% involving marijuana, yet only 4% result in child removal.

Advocates view Arizona’s stance as a potential catalyst for reevaluating substance abuse treatment during pregnancy.

Photo: Benzinga edit with photos by meeboonstudio and John D Sirlin by Shutterstock