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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
medical marijuana fund; opioid treatment
Purpose
Transfers $6,000,000 annually from the Medical Marijuana Fund to the Substance Use Disorder Services Fund. Contains requirements for enactment for initiatives and referendums (Proposition 105).
Background
The Department of Health Services (DHS) administers both the Medical Marijuana Fund and the Substance Abuse Disorder Services Fund (A.R.S. §§ 36-2817 and 36-2930.06).
In 2010, voters approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA) that allowed for the use of medical marijuana by a qualifying patient within the state and established limitations and regulations on the use of medical marijuana (SOS). The Medical Marijuana Fund monies are used for the administration of the AMMA (A.R.S. § 36-2817).
In 2018, an Attorney General opinion stated that the Legislature may direct DHS to use Medical Marijuana Fund monies on programs to help substance-addicted individuals if the appropriation: 1) passes by a three-fourths vote in both chambers of the Legislature; 2) leaves sufficient funds for the immediate and future costs of the AMMA; and 3) furthers the purpose of the AMMA (AG opinion).
The Substance Abuse Disorder Services Fund is used to contract with providers who to assist individuals with substance abuse issues (A.R.S. § 36-2930.06).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires DHS to annually transfer $6,000,000 from the Medical Marijuana Fund to the Substance Use Disorder Services Fund.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Requires for enactment the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members of each house of the Legislature (Proposition 105).
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 7, 2020
LMM/TSII/kja