The proposed bill HB2247 establishes the Arizona Marijuana Regulatory Board, which will take over the regulatory responsibilities for marijuana from the Department of Health Services (DHS). The Board will consist of seven members appointed by the Governor with Senate consent and will have the authority to issue microbusiness licenses valid for two years. Key changes include the introduction of residency requirements for applicants seeking marijuana-related licenses, the establishment of a microbusiness license for cultivation and sales, and the Board's responsibility to adopt necessary rules for implementation. The bill also sets a timeline for the Board's existence, with a repeal date of July 1, 2034, and a complete repeal of state marijuana laws by January 1, 2035.

Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework for both medical and adult-use marijuana in Arizona, ensuring that the Board operates with members who have expertise in public health and laboratory testing. It emphasizes public health and safety while ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities from DHS to the new Board by January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2823, 36-2866, 41-3034.01, 36-2801, 36-2850, 36-2882, 38-211, 36-2883, 36-2884, 38-611, 36-2885