Would-be Pot Shops Face Stringent Rules in Arizona

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona's rules for medical marijuana dispensaries — approved by voters in November with a bare 51 percent of the vote — are among the most stringent in the country.

Among other rules for the licenses: The pot shops must employ a licensed physician as a medical director, obtain a letter proving that they're in compliance with local zoning rules, and submit a business plan that shows they will operate as a nonprofit.

Then there is the $5,000 application fee and the preference that will be shown to those who can prove they have $150,000 in the bank. Still, competition for the limited number of licenses to be issued statewide — 125 — is expected to be fierce.