Compassion First Arizona has faced off in several cases against
Gerald Gaines is the founder of Compassion First. He says the rules went beyond what voters approved. “The rules outlawed anybody who had had a bankruptcy at any time from applying for a license," Gaines said. "Another example was...if you even had an outstanding parking ticket, you could not get a dispensary license.”
The application process for dispensaries has been on hold while the suits wound through the court system. In the meantime, medical marijuana patients and licensed caregivers can apply to grow their own supply. Next month, Compassion First plans to open a facility where caregivers can cultivate medical marijuana. Gaines says it’s an important step.
“Right now, you have over 18,000 patients in
The state health department estimates they could issue dispensary licenses sometime in November.