Revamped Papago Pot Shop Set to Thrive in County

Competition is set to intensify in Maricopa County as Pinal County supervisors approved a new Nirvana Center marijuana dispensary. The decision, made with a 4-1 vote, allows the dispensary to operate within the Raceway Bar and Grill strip mall.

Supervisor Mike Goodman cast the lone dissenting vote. Prior to this approval, the Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously endorsed the proposed rezoning and special use permit back in December.

Previously, the strip mall’s zoning classified the area as CB-2, which does not permit medical marijuana dispensaries. The approved changes will reclassify the site to C-3, general commercial zoning, which accommodates this type of business.

The plans for the 2,200 square foot dispensary first emerged in September, following Desert Grown Reptiles’ departure from its location at 49237 W. Papago Road in Hidden Valley. Since then, community backing has grown during neighborhood meetings.

Supporter Robin Davis, a resident of Hidden Valley, expressed her approval during discussions, noting the site’s convenient location. She stated, “It’s in a great area, not really near anything,” emphasizing that local residents have largely voiced no objections to the proposal.

“From the residents that I talked to, we really have no objections,” Davis added, highlighting a positive sentiment within the community. “It’s a good show of faith. We’re not against everything.”

Nirvana Center currently operates nine dispensaries in Arizona and has expanded its footprint with an additional sixteen locations across Michigan, Maryland, and New Mexico.