Local officials cannot use federal laws outlawing marijuana to refuse to provide necessary zoning for dispensaries, the state Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

Anyone looking to open a medical marijuana dispensary in unincorporated parts of Maricopa County no longer needs zoning approval from the county, a judge ruled last week.

When it comes to possession or use of marijuana, the United States Department of Justice will not focus on enforcement of federal marijuana laws where state laws allow it, a memo released today explains.

Marijuana law reform advocates declared it a victory and identified its broad implications for Arizona and other states.