As recently as last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government was insisting it was on track for legalization in July.

“I think this whole legalization stuff has to slow down,” said state Sen. Ronald Rice.

Republicans hailed the proposal, but Democrats warned that Arizona would be slapping heavy penalties on doctors who can already face sanctions from licensing boards.

“As sort of a good faith gesture on my behalf I’ll be releasing a limited number of nominees,” Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner said.

The management system will track medical marijuana from seed to sale, as well as help register dispensaries and patient card holders.

Police have shut down eight illegal marijuana shops since Jan. 1, a pace that is unlikely to intensify as the department is focused on curbing violent crimes.

The first legal medical marijuana sales under a 2-year-old state law began Thursday at a dispensary in western Pennsylvania.

A council member called the move a direct response to US Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ “misguided crackdown on our democratic decision to legalize recreational cannabis.”

Gov. Charlie Baker, who opposed cannabis legalization in the state, said that “people should crawl before they walk and walk before they run.”

“I have visited the facility, I’ve had numerous conversations with the owners and we’re really pleased to have them in the community.”