Stringent medical marijuana rules proposed in AZ

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona regulators have posted preliminary rules for users and sellers of medical marijuana intended to make sure only those who truly need pot can get it.

Department of Health Services Director Will Humble said today his goal is to avoid practices in other states with less stringent rules.

The rules come more than a month after Arizona voters approved medical marijuana.

Patients seeking pot would need a recommendation from a doctor licensed in Arizona who has either been treating the person for a year or who takes primary responsibility for their care.

The preliminary rules are open to public comment. Final rules will be released March 28, and patients can begin applying for marijuana cards in April.