TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Kelly Davis has been smoking marijuana since she was 11 years old. She uses marijuana for to help both her physical and mental health.
She’s also been dreaming of being a part of Southern Arizona NORML since she was 11. They’re a marijuana advocacy group that fights to expand the rights of cannabis users. She is now their director and is passionate about the consumption of cannabis.
“Cannabis to me is life-changing,” Davis said.
She owns Kelly's Natural Aromatherapy-CBD, a store that sells hemp products, but not pure THC products. THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
She said she’s hoping to sell THC products in the near future, but has been having a challenging time.
“For the small businesses like us trying to get in, it can kill us, it can crush anyone’s dreams to go froward,” Davis said.
She said she’s against the City of Tucson putting any limits on where dispensaries can open.
“They need to think about the people and the need the community has for change and advancement in the cannabis industry,” Davis aid.
Samba Jargu also owns a business, Tucson House of Cannabis, and sells CBD products. He’s hoping to sell THC products soon and said his products are in the testing phase.
He’s hoping to get his licenses with the City soon, but said there should be more licenses available and funding for businesses.
“If you don’t have major financial capitol behind you and investing, even to be able to sniff at some of these licenses, it’s not feasible,” Jargu said.
Jim Mazzoco, a consultant for Greenmed Dispensary, said he’s disappointed with the State of Arizona’s social equity program.
The program allows dispensaries to function if they provide a benefit to the community.
Mazzoco said those with licenses aren’t doing enough.
“Those recipients of social equity licenses should be donors toward a fund towards scholarships and careers like cannabis,” he said.
The City of Tucson said there aren’t any dispensaries in Tucson with a social equity license.
The City Council voted on Tuesday 6-1 to expand the areas where dispensaries can be located.
Mayor Regina Romero voted yes and said expanding the areas where dispensaries can be located is the best option for Tucson and neighbors. She said all marijuana dispensaries would go through a normal site review.
Davis, Jargu and Mazzoco said they are still going to be fighting for the future of cannabis rights in Tucson.
“The city council needs to think about the people and what the people want,” Davis said.
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Andrew Christiansen is a reporter for KGUN 9. Before joining the team, Andrew reported in Corpus Christi, Texas for KRIS6 News, Action 10 News and guest reported in Spanish for Telemundo Corpus Christi. Share your story ideas with Andrew by emailing andrew.christiansen@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, or Twitter.
