Is Marijuana Legal in Arizona?
As the states where marijuana is fully legalized approach 20, it’s no longer unusual to see others making efforts to follow suit. Arizona has a rapidly evolving cannabis industry that includes both medical and recreational sectors. However, like other states, understanding the rules governing the use of cannabis in the state can be somewhat tricky. This is especially true f you’re visiting for the first time or planning to. The following highlights all you need to know about marijuana laws in Arizona.
Is Weed Legal in Arizona 2021?
Recreational use of cannabis is legal in Arizona provided you’re 21 and over. However, some restrictions apply to its use. For instance, recreational weed can only be consumed in private. Driving under the influence of marijuana is also prohibited in Arizona.
Does Arizona have recreational dispensaries?
Yes, there are recreational cannabis dispensaries in Arizona. Delivery of recreational marijuana is currently prohibited in Arizona.
When Did Weed become Legal in Arizona?
Recreational marijuana was legalized in Arizona in November 2020.
How to Get Weed in Arizona?
To get recreational cannabis in Arizona, you’ll need to locate one of the many licensed dispensaries around the state. Recreational marijuana can be obtained in multiple forms including flowers, extracts, edibles, topicals, and salves.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Arizona?
Yes, medical marijuana is fully legal in Arizona, with a vibrant industry. After voters approved medical marijuana in 2010, sales eventually started in Arizona by December 2012.
How hard is it to get a medical card in Arizona?
As long as you qualify to get one and your doctor is aware of your condition, getting a medical card is straightforward. Qualifying conditions include Cancer, Glaucoma, and Seizures. To get the marijuana medical card in Arizona, patients must show proof of ID and state residency, have a qualifying condition, get a certification from an Arizona marijuana doctor, and apply with the state’s Department of Health Services website. Note that the certification from a marijuana doctor and subsequent application will attract separate fees.
How to Get Medical Marijuana in Arizona?
Patients and caregivers in the ADHS registry can purchase medical marijuana products directly from licensed dispensaries. Patients that are unable to purchase medical marijuana directly may appoint a caregiver or use a delivery service. In addition to in-store purchases, medical marijuana dispensaries in Arizona are known to offer delivery and curbside pickup services directly to patients. Patients are also permitted to consume their medical marijuana products in public.
Marijuana Bills/Laws in Arizona & Key Questions
Voters in Arizona initially approved medical marijuana in 1996 to allow patients who were seriously or terminally ill to possess medical marijuana with a doctor’s prescription. This was however subsequently overturned because the word (prescribe) contradicted federal laws which prohibited marijuana prescriptions.
Arizona subsequently attempted to legalize medical marijuana via Proposition 203 in 2002 without success. However, after revising Proposition 203, 50.13 of voters in the state were able to legalize medical cannabis in 2010. Sales of medical cannabis started in December 2012.
The Smart and Safe Act which eventually legalized recreational cannabis was approved by Voters as part of Proposition 207 in November 2020.
How Much Weed Can I Have in Arizona? (in oz)
For recreational use, adults 21 and over may possess up to an ounce (28g) of weed or cannabis-infused products with less than 5 grams in concentrate form. Similarly, adults must not gift more than 1 ounce of marijuana to other adults.
For medical marijuana, qualifying patients and their caregivers may possess up to 2.5 ounces (70g) over 14 days. Similarly, they can gift cannabis to other registered patients within this permitted limit.
Is Marijuana Decriminalized in Arizona?
Yes, up to the permitted limits.
Is there a Fine or Penalty in Arizona?
Although Alaska has robust marijuana legislation for both recreational and medical uses, there are stiff penalties for those who possess beyond the specified limits. Most possessions beyond the limit are categorized as different classes of felony and usually carry a minimum fine of $1,000 and some jail time. See more details here.
Plants per Household in Arizona?
Home cultivation is permitted in Arizona and is pegged at 6 plants per individual or 12 plants per household. These plants must however be cultivated out of public view. Registered patients are also allowed to cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants provided the plants are in an enclosed container or away from public view. Landlords are also prohibited from refusing to lease to individuals because of their status as medical marijuana cardholders.
Dispensaries regulations
According to the provisions of Proposition 203, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is the designated agency responsible for developing regulations surrounding the licensing of cannabis dispensaries.
Growers regulations
Again, regulations for growing cannabis in Arizona are under the supervision of the ADHS. All cannabis grown in the state must be tested for cannabinoids and potency, harmful bacteria, heavy metals, herbicides, mold, mycotoxins, pesticides and growth regulators, and residual solvents.
Closing thoughts
After voters approved the Smart and Safe Act in 2020, Arizona is now fully legalized for marijuana use. It’s still early days for recreational use but it’s certainly off to a good start and would continue to evolve from here on.