n Arizona lawmaker's proposal to stop dispensaries from moving out of their state-designated areas highlights the need for updated medical-marijuana program rules.

"We're in limbo — and we've spent a lot money." — Lori Nicks, would-be dispensary operator.

The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act that voters approved in 2010 requires the state to adopt rules that govern what was then a fledgling program.

Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk was the only one of four panelists at a Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce marijuana event who wouldn't say if she's ever used cannabis.

The morning panel discussion, "Breakfast with a side of ... Marijuana?" was hosted by the chamber for a group of about 75 of its members and other registered guests at the Doubletree Resort in Scottsdale, with the goal of learning more about the proposed marijuana-legalization initiative expected to be on Arizona's ballot this November.

Voters in 20 U.S. states could potentially legalize some form of cannabis use in the November 2016 election — part of a historic backlash to the century-old war on marijuana.

According to Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, activists have submitted ballot measures for public vote in: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Re: “Maine Voices: Bill to address opiate crisis in Maine is a step in the right direction” by Becky DeKeuster (Jan. 23):

The recent op-ed by a spokesperson for the marijuana industry saying that pot can be used for people trying to get off heroin, is both wrong and dangerous.

I’m a doctor who has spent 30 years treating drug addicts, starting in my residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

The aim in treating addicts is to get them off all addictive drugs, including alcohol and marijuana, not substitute one for another. And the reason is that addicts and alcoholics are happiest clean and sober.

Not surprisingly, EJ Montini was noticeably vague in his recent op-ed (”Blowing marijuana smoke into opponents' faces") accusing Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy of using “questionable” information in its arguments against legalizing marijuana. Nothing could be further from the truth. Consider the following:

-- Since Colorado legalized marijuana, teen use has risen dramatically and is now 74 percent higher than the national average. (2015 SAMHSA report/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Giadha DeCarcer, a former investment banker, is founder and CEO of New Frontier, a data analysis provider for the cannabis industry.

The cannabis industry is quickly becoming a magnet for female entrepreneurs.

Medical or recreational marijuana is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. As legalization has increased, so have sales. In 2013, the industry was at $1.8 billion. 

In 2015, it was estimated at $5.4 billion (accounting for evolving business models), according to the ArcView Group, a cannabis-focused investment and research firm. 

At the same time, opponents of legalization are talking with voters and lawmakers about the dangers of marijuana use, the impact on children and public safety. Further, they say legalization would undo decades of substance-abuse education.

Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery and others are urging the public to learn about marijuana legalization's impact in Colorado, pointing to increased marijuana use by children, concerns over impaired drivers and drug-related expulsions from schools.

Seth Leibsohn, chair of Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy, called the billboard a "stunt, hijacking a laudable and charitable sports tournament" to promote substance abuse.

Earlier this month, Arizona Rep. Jay Lawrence of the 23rd District introduced HCR 2019, a bill that would make obtaining a medical marijuana card more difficult for medical marijuana users in Arizona. The bill has been withdrawn since Lawrence's proposal.

“It will never be heard by a committee,” Lawrence said. “It will never see the light of day.”

HCR 2019 proposed two issues that posed a major threat to cardholders, including price increases and card renewals.

A Maricopa County nonprofit that makes much of its money off low-level marijuana offenders would take a big financial hit if Arizona voters legalize marijuana in November.

The Treatment Assessment Screening Center, better known as TASC, contracts with the county to provide six months of mandatory drug-treatment services for first- or second-time offenders who get busted for possession of illegal drugs. TASC participants, with exceptions for low-income offenders, pay their own way for the program