Scottsdale City Council candidate John Little says he anticipates Prop. 207 to pass Arizona voters this November, which would legalize recreational marijuana for adults.
As Arizona voters prepare …
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Scottsdale City Council candidate John Little says he anticipates Prop. 207 to pass Arizona voters this November, which would legalize recreational marijuana for adults.
As Arizona voters prepare to decide the fate of recreational marijuana on the Nov. 3 general election ballot — Prop. 207 is an initiative that would have impacts to Scottsdale if it passes — the city also made changes to the industry’s local regulations recently.
Scottsdale medical marijuana facilities have been given approval to stay open until 10 p.m., three hours later than previous hour regulations.
Mr. Little, one of six Scottsdale City Council candidates, answer this week’s questions about marijuana and his point of view on the potentially legal drug. Read below to see what he has to say.
•In September, Scottsdale City Council approved longer business hours for medical marijuana facilities with a split 4-3 vote. Do you agree with extending the operation hours?
I believe the City Council made an appropriate decision based on the application and public testimony. There was no compelling reason presented to deny the applicant’s request. It is a voter-approved legal business that made a reasonable request to better serve clients/patients.
•Do you support or oppose Prop. 207 Marijuana Legalization Initiative?
Based on the experiences in other states and public opinion polls, it is pretty clear the general public supports Prop. 207-type legislation. I anticipate Arizona voters will pass 207. With strict regulatory oversight, monitoring and penalties for noncompliance, I believe any negative impacts of legalization can be mitigated. Beyond medical uses, I harbor larger concerns about the public’s increasing appetite for mood-altering substances, including legal and illegal substances.
•If Arizona becomes the next state to legalize marijuana, will that affect Scottsdale?
I think government agencies, regulators, public safety professionals and public health experts are well-prepared for the potential impacts of legalization. They have been anticipating this for years and observing the experiences (positive and negative) it has had in other states. My main concerns are how seemingly unprepared many families, schools and employers are in discussing how they will manage this issue. Educating the public about responsible use will be key.
Melissa Rosequist Managing Editor | East Valley @mrosequist_
I first started my journalism portfolio at the age of 15 while in high school before going on to study at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Being in the journalism field is the only professional avenue I was ever interested in, and have worked hard covering topics from school boards to hard news while working for the Independent, where I have been awarded for my reporting.
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