The Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission last week approved a conditional-use permit for a new marijuana dispensary planned for Bell and Dysart roads.

Arizona-based company Sunday Goods, which has stores in Tempe and Phoenix, will fill the space. The Surprise location, which would be the city's first dispensary, is expected to hire 30-50 employees. 

City of Surprise

Initial drawings for the building planned near Bell and Dysart roads in Surprise.

After the approval of recreational marijuana statewide in 2020 with Proposition 207 came high taxes on the marijuana products. For recreational purposes, buyers are given an 16% excise tax plus a 2% for local jurisdictions. For medical marijuana users, they have a 6% tax.

Total tax collections since February 2021 have amounted to over $757 million for Arizona. In 2023 alone, marijuana taxes collected a total of $283 million. That money goes to Arizona community colleges, police and fire and the Arizona Department of Transportation, as well as health departments. The average dual license facility is expected to bring in around $200,000 annually to the city.