Cannabis in Arizona

[1] The medical use provision was then essentially repealed by state legislators a few months later,[2] but the change was rejected by voters in a 1998 veto referendum (Proposition 300).

[3] Ultimately the medical use provision was ineffective, however, due to language that created significant conflict with federal law (use of the word "prescribe" instead of "recommend").

Senator and Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater was among the supporters of the initiative,[5] serving as honorary chairman of the Proposition 200 campaign.

[11] The initiative allowed patients with a doctor's recommendation to possess up to 2+1⁄2 ounces (71 g) of cannabis for treatment of certain qualifying conditions.

[14][15] In May 2011, Brewer and Attorney General Tom Horne filed a lawsuit in federal court questioning some of the initiative's provisions.

[16] The lawsuit sought a ruling on whether state employees involved in implementing certain provisions were subject to federal prosecution.

[29] It also would have established a system for commercial distribution and taxation of cannabis, with excess tax revenues (after paying expenses) dedicated to funding public schools and substance abuse programs.

[31] Among the largest contributors to the opposition were Discount Tire ($1,000,000), Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry ($918,000), Sheldon Adelson ($500,000), and Insys Therapeutics ($500,000).

[49] He has made a number of controversial comments on the subject, including telling a military veteran who spoke in support of legalization: "I have no respect for you ... because you're an enemy.

"[50] Montgomery engaged in a multi-year legal battle seeking to overturn the state's medical cannabis law that was approved by voters in 2010.