Arizona to begin taking marijuana dispensary apps

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona's health department will begin taking applications for medical marijuana dispensaries after the Attorney General's office signed off on the program.

Health Services Department director Will Humble says up to 126 dispensary certificates should be issued by Aug. 7. Applications will be accepted between May 14 and May 25.

The Arizona Republic reports ( ) the certificates will allow prospective providers to begin building their dispensaries in August. A second application for an operating license will be issued after an inspector from the department determines the dispensary is up to operating standards.

Humble doesn't expect a rush for the applications.

Arizona voters approved the use of medical marijuana and dispensaries in 2010, but the state balked until a judge ordered them to proceed.

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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com