PHOENIX — Sen. Sonny Borelli R-Lake Havasu City, said he is mystified that a bill which he says would have prevented harmful chemicals from being used in medical marijuana was blocked by Democrats.
Senate Bill 1137 establishes marijuana as an agricultural commodity.
Borelli’s bill also provides $2 million for the Arizona Department of Agriculture to inspect and test marijuana crops for dangerous pesticides or other harmful chemicals.
“Right now, Arizonans who are turning to medical marijuana to relieve pain or other symptoms have no idea what chemicals are being used on the plant,” said Borrelli in a press release. “Marijuana is a plant grown in the ground, and the Department of Agriculture has the expertise to inspect and test marijuana before it is sent to a dispensary. SB 1137 would save lives.”
According to Borelli, the bill, a voter-protected measure, requires three-fourths support, or 23 votes in the Senate. While it made it way through two committees, not a single Democrat supported the bill.
“I’m really at a loss at why the minority would band together to stop this safety measure,” stated Borrelli. “Don’t medical marijuana patients want to know the product they’re ingesting is safe?”