Blood drives at marijuana dispensaries in metro Phoenix are drawing donors

Illegal and taboo were among the top adjectives to describe marijuana before Arizona voters chose legalization less than five years ago.

Today, a Valley dispensary partners with a blood and biotherapy nonprofit to hold drives that have led to more than 100 donations since June.

Blood drives are scheduled for every week in October inside Vitalant mobile units set up in Mint Cannabis parking lots.

Chief operating officer Raul Molina scouts for pop-up health screenings to seek partnerships and hold the events at Mint dispensaries. Molina said blood drives at marijuana stores are symbols of social acceptance.

“I think at this point there is no going back. We’re definitely becoming a part of the community and a part of everything that’s happening in the US,” Molina said.

Vitalant is a major player in keeping the national blood supply going. Arizona communications manager Sue Thew said donations are screened for disease and to determine type. One pint helps more than one patient.

Marijuana users are welcome donors. They just can’t be high when they give blood.

"Vitalant does not test for THC or other substances because that is not passed on through a transfusion,” Thew said.

According to Vitalant, 119 people have donated blood at Mint dispensaries since June.

The DEA has scheduled a hearing for December on whether to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.