The proposed bill would update current statutes by establishing a rural opportunity initiative through the Department of Health Services (DHS), which would issue marijuana establishment licenses specifically aimed at fostering economic growth in rural communities. The bill caps the number of licenses at 18 and requires that each licensed entity also obtain a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary registration certificate, allowing them to relocate their retail sites only to unserved rural communities. It introduces procedural requirements for DHS, including deadlines for rule adoption and community participation information, while defining "unserved rural community" and outlining application conditions such as landowner consent and local zoning compliance.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that entities with licenses may only operate one retail and one off-site cultivation location, must open their retail sites within a specified timeframe, and can only relocate to communities that have not opted out of the initiative. It also stipulates that the first landowner consent form submitted for a property will be the only valid one. Importantly, the bill requires an affirmative vote from three-fourths of the members of each house of the legislature for the amendments to take effect, thereby enhancing the regulatory framework surrounding marijuana establishments with a focus on rural economic development.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2854, 36-2857.01, 32-1929, 36-2854.01, 4-241, 36-2816, 36-2856, 41-192
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-2803.01, 36-2854, 36-2857.01, 32-1929, 36-2854.01, 4-241, 36-2816, 36-2856, 41-192