VERDE VALLEY - It is difficult to say what the response to the medical marijuana initiative will be once the smoke clears, but one thing is for certain, local communities and the county see it as a regional problem solved by consistency.

Since the initiative passed last November, law enforcement organizations, medical interests, employers and policy makers have met to discuss their options.

They all agree they must continue working together.

This week the Arizona Department of Health services released a draft policy, which will be key to what takes place. The policy (see related story) is now open to public comment. A final policy will be drafted by April 1, after which those wishing to open dispensaries can begin making their plans.

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