Photo Kemmish Jr. had won his original case challenging the roadside arrest, but because Arizona’s medical marijuana ID cards are issued by the state’s Department of Health – while California’s program only requires the recommendation of any licensed doctor – prosecutors appealed the initial ruling, arguing the form of approval did not meet Arizona’s reciprocity standards.
Fortunately for Mr. Kemmish, the Court of Appeals did not see a difference between the two forms of ID, and set a new precedent recognizing any state’s chosen medical marijuana access method as a valid legal defense in Arizona.
“Whether another state’s medical marijuana law requires an identification card, a physician’s letter, or some other documentation is immaterial, so long as the documentation is sufficient under the law of the issuing state,” However out-of-towners will need to bring their own bud with them, as only registered residents can legally access Arizona’s network of licensed dispensaries.