phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES APRIL 14TH– APRIL 20TH, 2022 State Licensed Dispensaries & Doctor Certifications | CANNABIS | Sparks from p 36 Raul Molina, co-founder and chief operating officer at Mint Cannabis in the Phoenix area, said he doesn’t think that federal legalization would affect the average Arizona cannabis consumer, though it could make a profound difference in the industry. “There’s probably about 15,000 people who are employed by the industry in Arizona, and they have a hard time renting, buying a house and doing all sorts of things because of the industry’s inability to use proper banks,” he said. Molina, who operates dispensaries in medical use, adult recreational use, or, like Arizona, both. Each state has its own cannabis program and cannot sell or move product past state lines, so federal legalization could bring in some serious green for established brands like Curaleaf and Harvest House of Cannabis, both of which operate in Arizona and at least a handful of other states. “How do we position Arizona as an export state?” asked Demitri Downing, founder of Arizona’s Marijuana Industry Trade Association. Downing said the Arizona industry can take the knowledge it has gleaned and push it across the country, but he has no idea what commerce might look like. “Will cannabis flow across the borders and in what form, in what potency?” he asked, noting that Arizona consumers ask for brands from states like California and New York. Though Downing advocates for the industry and for freedom of choice rather than prohibition (like 60 percent of Americans who favor medical and recreational legalization, according to Pew Research Center), he is not optimistic that the measure will pass through the Senate. “It would take a proactive administration to legalize it and I don’t see Joe Biden’s administration having the courage or the political capabilities of doing something so dramatic,” Downing said. Democratic Senators Cory Booker Mint Cannabis The Mint’s Raul Molina. Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix, with two more on the way, also looks forward to reduced interest rates following federal legalization. He said that the industry currently relies on hard money loans, which are secured by property with interest rates that can top 18 percent. Interstate commerce is another interesting consideration. All but two states have some form of legalized marijuana, whether for of New Jersey and Ron Wyden of Oregon are working on their own proposal with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. That’s an alternative to trying to move the House bill through the Senate, where the measure still faces an uphill battle. All Democrats and 10 Republicans would need to vote in favor to advance the bill to a final vote. While Molina is hopeful that the measure will pass, he is not holding his breath. “In the cannabis industry, we’ve learned to accept things in the time that they come,” he said. Buds-A-Palooza from p 39 comedians slotted for the night. Pan Loco is among the 18 food trucks on hand to sate any case of the munchies. From the Philadelphia Sandwich Co. to Bao Boyz to Melt Ice Cream, there will be a delicious mix of sweet and savory eats. Mariel Mendez of Pan Loco is looking forward to it. “I’ll be busy getting ready for the event soon,” she says. “We will have some of our conchas — our signature bread and Mexican croissants. Everything will be available regular or CBD-infused. It’s all homemade and very unique, and I am so excited for the crowd to try our products. I love seeing reactions of delight.” Vendors, boozy bars, and mingling in a Mary Jane-celebratory crowd are more of what you’ll find while strolling through Buds-A-Palooza. Bonus: The event is also a benefit. A portion of the proceeds go to Trees Matter, a local environmental education nonprofit. Full disclosure: Andrew Meister is an executive at New Times. Buds-A-Palooza. 4:20 p.m. to midnight, April 15, at Garfield Street and Fifth Street. Tickets are $20 to $25. Visit budsapalooza.com. 41
