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TUCSON - Earlier this month, several applicants were chosen in the state department of health's lottery to license medical marijuana dispensaries.

A Casa Grande oncologist will be the medical director of five of those dispensaries.

He tells us he's passionate about this new venture because it will help those with serious conditions.

Some people had a few reservations about medical marijuana dispensaries opening up in their city, but for the most part feel as long as they are properly regulated, the pros will out way the cons.

Jim Duff has rheumatoid arthritis and just had surgery on his wrist.

"It's very painful, and I do not use marijuana, but I might think about it if the pain kept up like it did," said Duff. "This is supposed to help me and I hope it does."

On a scale of one to 10, Duff said his pain is daily at an 8 and sometimes up to a 10.

"I like to think that I am pain tolerant, but sometimes it gets very bad," said Duff.

Doctor Donald Hill wants to be in this business for people like Duff.

An oncologist, he said he knows how medical marijuana can help ease pain.

"My research lead to the revelation to me that it's a pretty safe substance," said Dr. Hill.

Many Tucsonans agree with Doctor Hill.

"I personally have known some people with cancer that have been helped by marijuana," said Nancy Woodling.

Others have some concerns.

"There might be a couple robberies here and there," said a concerned citizen.

Doctor Hill said he's looking forward to the challenge of directing five dispensaries because he believes the benefits of medical marijuana could change a person's life and said it's time to erode any stigma.

"To make it more acceptable to the community and society at large," said Dr. Hill.