The governor of Arizona vows to veto all bills, including four marijuana-related measures, that come across his desk until lawmakers pass a budget. The governor already killed a marijuana packaging bill.

Gov. Doug Ducey is upset with what he sees as a lack of progress; he already killed 22 measures awaiting his action on Friday, May 28.

“This weekend marks one month until the end of the fiscal year, and Arizonans are counting on us to work together and pass a budget that provides certainty to taxpayers and citizens,” Ducey said in a veto letter.

During this session, the governor has signed more bills than he has in any other session since 2015. But he said that “I do not intend on signing any additional bills transmitted by the Legislature” until he has a budget.

Currently, there is a proposed budget  that makes significant investments in K-12 education, higher education, infrastructure, and local communities. It also gives Arizonans historic tax relief.

Ducey said that he looks “forward to partnering with legislative leadership to focus on what matters and pass a budget.”

Marijuana Bills Vetoed

Among the 22 bills killed were four marijuana-related measures; SB 1121, SB 1408, HB 2303, and HB 2414.

• Senate Bill 1121 would have imposed new requirements for the security, packaging, and labeling of marijuana.
• Senate Bill 1408 would have mandated research on the correlation between marijuana use and mental illness.
• House Bill 2303 would have mandated the health department conduct proficiency testing of independent laboratories that test marijuana.
• House Bill 2412 would have authorized the health department to inspect any medical marijuana dispensary during regular business hours.

All four bills were a part of the mass demonstration from the governor. But Ducey now has to send the bills back to the House stating his reasons for the veto. The House and Senate will have the option to override the veto by a two-thirds vote.

We will keep you updated as this situation progresses; make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.