Whoa, did we hear right? Is legal marijuana finally coming to Maricopa? While MOST Arizonans have had more than a year to get used to legalized recreational marijuana laws in the state, the Maricopa City Council passed a sweeping ordinance back in 2021 that significantly affected recreational marijuana production, sale and use within city limits.

Basically, the city of Maricopa prohibited the growth, use, sale or distribution of marijuana on public property. It also prohibited any establishments selling marijuana from opening up in Maricopa, unless they also have a medical marijuana license, and marijuana testing facilities are now prohibited by the city. This last one is weird cause we’re pretty sure there’s a marijuana facility out by the land fill, near Bishop Airfield, but back to that in a bit.

Also, the 2021 ordinance restricts the way individuals can use marijuana personally, even on their own property. In some instances, the ordinance follows state guidelines as per Proposition 207. However, in some instances, Maricopa’s regulations are more strict.

While Arizona citizens, in the state, can grow marijuana in their home, marijuana users in Maricopa cannot (???). The ordinance actually states- “…kitchens, bathrooms and primary bedrooms are not to be used for marijuana growth, only closets, greenhouses or other rooms such as a den”. Mm, OK. Can we have a rubber plant in the corner of our living rooms Plant Nazis? Now, the ordinance also states that these rooms must be locked or otherwise protected from access by minors. Well, that’s a no-brainer. Like keeping the liquor out of junior’s hands too, right?

A funny one, The ordinance also specifically outlaws the odor of said marijuana emitting from a residence. How ON EARTH is that going to happen? Too funny. Smart though, if you’re just trying to keep pot out of your town. Reminds me of ‘Foot Loose’; when Reverend Shaw Moore persuades the town council to ban dancing. Is Reverend Shaw on the Maricopa Council? Too funny.

All that’s well and good. But, apparently, that doesn’t include Native American lands.

Legal Marijuana Finally Coming To Maricopa?

That’s right. It seems city ordinances don’t affect what different tribes are able to do on their respective land. For instance, in New York state, while lawmakers passed laws to legalize recreational marijuana USE, it will be months before recreational cannabis can be legally sold in New York, but on Western New York’s Native American lands, pot is already openly for sale. The shops are located on sovereign territory, which allows the stores to get around the plodding state rule-making process and get a jump on would-be competitors in the legal pot market.

And Robert Miguel, who is currently the chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Maricopa, and other tribal leaders, may seriously considering taking advantage of Arizona’s year old law. Having met with Seneca tribal leaders, in New York state, who have decided to allow recreational marijuana dispensaries to open on SOME tribal land.

This may be a reaction to some fairly recent changes in marijuana laws in Arizona.

Now, not all of the New York tribes embrace the marijuana business. The Tuscarora Nation in Niagara County has outlawed the sale of recreational marijuana, according to a statement from its leadership. The Seneca Nation of Indians is creating rules, but for now marijuana business on Seneca territory are operating on their own.

Native American entrepreneurs are treating pot like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

 “The analogy I have used,” said Jesse Spring, who runs two dispensaries, “at least with my family and close circle, was when that wave comes, we need to set ourselves up so that we’re riding that thing.”

“Sales are through the roof,” said Mike Jimerson, who opened The Lab Dispensary in Irving with his wife, Heidi, in October. “I’m very surprised how far we have come in four-and-a-half months.”

So, while the City Council of Maricopa may not want a LEGAL recreational marijuana dispensary within the city limits, the CITIZENS of Maricopa may get what they want, and have one nearby anyway.

We should point out that many citizens of Maricopa felt the City Council acted underhandedly, passing the ordinance as an ’emergency declaration’ back in 2021. One such person, Bill Robertson, showed up back then to voice his concerns over the exaggerated sense of emergency:

“It almost looks like a purposeful by-design process to limit community feedback and get ahead of what is perceived as a controversial ordinance,” Robertson told the council. “Mayor, council, city manager, city attorney: There is no emergency.”

He wanted to postpone the decision, in order to get PUBLIC OPINION, you know, DEMOCRACY and all, but the City Council pushed it anyway.

Afterwards, one local man posted to Facebook after the vote to share his “extreme displeasure” over the council’s decision.

“I am a marijuana user,” he wrote. “It’s quite clear to me that, statistically, the existence of a dispensary will not increase use in the area. Beyond my personal convictions, there is a democratic one in which everyone missed. You are supposed to be our representatives, clearly none of you are.”

He has a point. while marijuana cannot realistically be linked to deaths, accidents, addiction and such, ALCOHOL on the other hand DEFINITELY IS. And ALCOHOL is readily available throughout Maricopa City limits. This most certainly contributes to crime, traffic accidents, addiction and death. Something to ponder, isn’t it?

Well, looks like Maricopa may get what it wants anyway. Tribal leaders have yet to finalize a decision. But with what is turning into what is estimated to be a $4 billion industry in New York, we bet it won’t be long. Maricopa might have recreational POT before you know it.

What do YOU think? Let us know in the comments below, either way.