marijuana; clinical research trials

New section 36-2817 establishes a medical marijuana fund that accepts private donations and allows monies to remain in the fund rather than reverting to the state general fund.

Specific one-time transfers totaling $32 million were added for November 30, 2020, including $15 million to the Arizona teachers academy fund, $20 million for public health programs, and $4 million for expungement petition assistance.

Additional fiscal year 2021-2022 transfers totaling $16.5 million were added for mental health services, suicide prevention, primary care provider loan repayment, and county public health departments.

A $1 million allocation was added for a social equity ownership program to promote marijuana establishment ownership by individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by previous marijuana laws.

A $250,000 one-time transfer was added for marijuana research studies and $1 million for education and community outreach related to medical marijuana.

The constitutional vote requirement was modified to apply to both sections 36-2817 and 36-2822 rather than just section 36-2822.

Added requirement that clinical trials must be approved by FDA, DEA, and an institutional review board, and must be publishable in peer-reviewed journals.

Added priority for randomized controlled clinical trials studying autism, epilepsy, PTSD, and pain.

Added legal protection preventing prosecution of researchers for marijuana possession when cultivating for approved clinical trials.

Modified funding timeline to allow up to $5,000,000 annually for five years, with an additional $2,000,000 contingent on fund stability.

Added requirement that the bill becomes effective only with a three-fourths vote of each legislative house.