Arizona props pass, what’s next?

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizonans approved two major ballot initiatives during Tuesday's General Election. They agreed to legalize recreational marijuana, and signed off on raising some residents' taxes to better fund the state's schools.

60% of voters said yes to legal pot.

Medical marijuana was first legalized in Arizona 2010. Voters came back 10 years later to add recreational marijuana to the list.

Stephen Aranda, general manager of Jamestown Yuma Dispensary is thrilled but knows it will take some time.

"We're very excited," Aranda said. "We've been anticipating this for a very long time, and we're really enthusiastic about being able to serve more of our community members."

The new law won't roll in until January 1.

Once approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS), they expect to sell recreationally in spring of 2021. Jamestown Yuma says medical card holders will still have a one-up.

"Medical cannabis purchased through our store currently is subject to local and state sales tax. Recreational cannabis will have an additional 16% tax on top of the state tax," Aranda explained.

Jamestown will also have a licensing advantage because it's already selling medical marijuana.

Those who don't see it as a plus, like Cindy Dahlgren, spokesperson for Arizonans for Health and Public Safety, are opposed to the measure because they say law enforcement will have to adjust their impairment evaluations.

"That makes it more difficult to prosecute impaired drivers," Dahlgren stated. "We also do not have roadside testing for marijuana impairment like we have for alcohol."

She also says parents should be worried for their children's safety since many teens are now picking up on the trend.

But, Jamestown Yuma says they have trained professionals to offer suggestions to first-time users, those over 21 years of age.

"Cannabis is very safe. It can be therapeutic and a beneficial product. We encourage everyone to exercise caution," Aranda stated.

Ryan Wilson, executive director of Arizona's National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) says the passing of Prop 207 will bring thousands of jobs to Arizona and boost the economy.

Meanwhile, Proposition 208, which raises taxes on wealthiest Arizonans to fund education, appears to be passing, but by a slimmer margin.

Proposition 208 also appears on track for approval. It raises taxes on individuals who make more than $250,000 a year, and couples with a combined income of $500,000 a year or more. The state will use the 3.5% increase for teachers' salaries, and educational programs.

Dale Ponder, chief financial officer of Crane Elementary School District is hopeful that this will help increase the teacher retention rate.