Here we will go over everything you need to know about marijuana in Arizona.
In 2019, approximately %16 of Arizonans admitted to smoking cannabis. Now that recreational use is officially legal in the state, this number is sure to rise.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before smoking in Arizona.
Is it legal?
Medicinal and recreational marijuana use is legal in Arizona, and any person over the age of 21 may purchase marijuana even if they are not a resident of the state.
In 2002, proposition 203 (Arizona Medical Marijuana Question) was introduced to legalize medical marijuana use; however, it did not pass until 2010, and Arizona did not begin selling for an additional two years.
In 2020, proposition 207 (Arizona Smart and Safe Act) passed, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana.
Selling marijuana
Selling marijuana is strictly prohibited for any individual that is not licensed to distribute.
If caught selling marijuana, you may be charged with felony distribution, be sentenced to more than 18 months in jail, and be fined a maximum of $150,000.
Although selling marijuana is not legal, you are allowed to give another adult up to one ounce of cannabis as long as money is not exchanged and the transfer does not take place in public.
Buying marijuana
Marijuana can be purchased from any licensed dispensary.
There are many types of marijuana products, such as:
- Bud
- Edibles
- Concentrates
- Hash
- Topicals
- Tinctures
You can find a local dispensary at MarijuanaDoctors.com.
Having marijuana in public
You are legally allowed to have marijuana in public. However, you may not smoke it.
It is not illegal to be under the influence of marijuana in public. Still, smoking marijuana is prohibited in open areas, parks, restaurants, bars, businesses, walkways, hotels, or other public locations.
Furthermore, you may not smoke in your vehicle even if you are not driving; otherwise, it may result in a drugged driving charge.
Growing marijuana
Growing marijuana is legal in Arizona, but some limitations apply.
Recreational users may cultivate up to six plants in their homes at once. If another adult lives in the house, they may have an additional six plants. The combined total of plants can not exceed twelve, even if three or more adults reside in the home.
Medicinal users and their designated caregivers may cultivate up to twelve plants per patient.
All plants must be locked in an enclosed containment unit and grown indoors or out of public view.
Quantity limitations
Recreational users can possess up to one ounce of marijuana or five grams of concentrate.
Medical marijuana cardholders can possess up to 2.5oz of marijuana.
If any individual is caught with more than 2.5oz of marijuana in their possession, legal retribution may occur.
- Possessing more than 2.5oz and less than 2lbs is a class 6 felony with a 6-18 month jail sentence and a max fine of $150,000.
- Possessing 2lbs – 4lbs is a class 5 felony with a 9-24 month jail sentence and a max fine of $150,000.
- Possessing more than 4lbs is a class 4 felony with an 18-36 month jail sentence and a max fine of $150,000.
Medical marijuana card
Having a medical marijuana card is more beneficial than being a recreational user in a few ways.
MMJ cardholders can:
- Grow more plants
- Possess more cannabis.
- Receive discounts or lower tax
- Purchase more potent strains
- Shop at exclusive medical dispensaries
- Purchase cannabis under 21 years old
The qualifying conditions in Arizona are:
- Alzheimer’s
- Gehrig’s disease
- Chronic conditions that cause wasting syndrome or cachexia
- AIDS/HIV
- Cancer
- Crohn’sCrohn’s disease
- Chronic Pain
- Glaucoma
- Severe nausea
- PTSD
- Seizure disorders
- Severe or chronic muscle spasms
- Hepatitis C
Medical marijuana cards in Arizona cost $150, followed by a $75 annual fee. In addition, cards need to be renewed every two years, which requires a visit to your doctor each time.
With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Arizona, knowing the laws is essential for any residents or individuals planning to smoke while visiting.
Remember, all cannabis use is legal, selling cannabis is illegal, you may not possess more than one ounce for recreational use, smoking in public is prohibited, and recreational users may grow up to six plants.
