The Marijuana Zones

Medical-marijuana patients and advocates are decrying state health officials' interpretation of a rule that bans growth of the plant within 25 miles of an operating dispensary.

Authors of the state's medical-marijuana law intended to limit home growers by forcing people to buy at dispensaries. But amid prolonged legal battles over the law, no dispensaries opened and home-growing flourished.

But the opening of four medical-marijuana dispensaries in Phoenix, Tucson and Cochise County have brought the 25-mile rule to the forefront.

Read more: The marijuana zones