Phoenix hears debate about proposed medical marijuana law

PHOENIX - Phoenix city leaders held a meeting Monday night hoping to take a proactive approach by coming up with a plan if voters approve a medical marijuana law in November.

It would allow patients with serious medical conditions to have two and a half ounces of marijuana every two weeks.

The law would require patients to buy the drug from a limited number of clinics that the state would regulate.

Medical marijuana supporters argue that would make it safer for patients.

“You're not being forced to have patients out in the street buying things off the black market that might have other products you would never want to provide your body with,” said supporter Travis Pollack.

But others worry about the safety of the clinics after other states approved similar laws.

“They've got issues with assaults, burglaries, robberies, murders, and gang infiltrations on these dispensaries,” said former DEA agent Doug Hebert.

But Eric Johnson, a supporter of the measure, argued Arizona’s law is stricter and added safeguards are in place.

“A normal citizen that does not have their medical card is not even going to be allowed to step foot in there,” said Johnson.

The city of Phoenix is looking into creating zoning laws that would keep the clinics away from schools and churches.