The Arizona Department of Health Services yesterday issued the state's first authorization to open a medical marijuana dispensary, but it went to a come-from-behind Glendale applicant and not a Tucson dispensary, as many had expected.

Although the Green Halo was the first in the state to ask for an inspection (in September) of its dispensary near Interstate 10 and South Wilmot Road, there were problems with the design and paperwork. So Arizona Organix beat them to the punch, getting authorization the same day of their inspection on Thursday. The "rigorous" application process has finally ended for the dispensary, but they won't be open for at least a couple weeks, said their lawyer Ryan Hurley of Scottsdale. Boo.

So far six dispensaries have said they are ready for inspection. One in Tucson is scheduled for Tuesday, so we'll see how soon they can open. Some dispensary operators are having trouble finding enough meds for initial inventory. Let's hope they have stocked shelves by the time the state gets around to inspections.