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By Mila Besich-Lira
The Pinal County Planning and Zoning commission will have a hearing on Jan. 17, 2013 to approve or deny a request to open Pinal County’s first medical marijuana facility in Duddleyville.
The application was submitted by Paul Shaub, Dr. Glenn Wilt and Gregory Rowles. The three member board plans on opening the Pinal County Wellness Center to distribute marijuana to patients.
The dispensary will be located on property owned by Dr. Wilt across Valentine Road from the Minit Mart on Highway 77. Wilt owns dozens of properties throughout the Copper Corridor.
According to the submitted application, there are 73 medical marijuana authorization cards in the Community Health Action Area (CHAA) #94 as of August 13, 2012. The CHAA area will serve Dudleyville, San Manuel, Oracle as well as other surrounding communities.
According to the medical marijuana law, card holders can grow their own marijuana under certain requirements. If the facility should open card holders in CHAA #94 will not be allowed to grow their own marijuana.
If the application is recommended for approval by the commission, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors will have final approval on the application.
If the Board approves, the Planning and Zoning department will then complete an administrative site review to ensure that the building requirements, such as parking, are met.
The Arizona Department of Health Services will review, authorize and monitor the medical marijuana dispensary permitting once the business location is set.
For more information or see a copy of the permit application you can review it online at: http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/PlanningDevelopment/Lists/NOHPZ/Attachments/117/SUP01012.pdf
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