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Arizona Marijuana Laws

Is weed legal in AZ? How much can you possess? What about cultivation? Learn the ins and outs of Arizona marijuana laws here.

Arizona

So, is marijuana legal in Arizona?
Let's find out.

As marijuana laws vary more and more across the states, it’s essential to know what laws are for each state you are living in or planning on visiting. In Arizona, medical marijuana was deemed legal for certain patients in 2010. Then, in November 2020, the state voted to make recreational use of marijuana legal as well.

With all the changes are circumstances surrounding the two types of marijuana use, it’s normal to have questions about what is legal and what is still prohibited. Here, we’ve laid out all the information you need to know about Arizona marijuana laws.

What Illnesses Are Covered Under Arizona Medical Marijuana Laws?

Under the medical cannabis laws in Arizona, there is a list of illnesses a patient must have in order to be eligible to receive a medical card. To receive your medical marijuana card, you must be diagnosed with one or more of the following illnesses:

If you do not have a diagnosis from a licensed medical professional, you will not qualify for a medical marijuana card. If you do have one of these illnesses, you need to apply for a medical card. To do this, you are able to fill out the application online. If you’re under 18, you have to designate a caregiver to handle your medical marijuana on your behalf.

If you have any questions about receiving your medical marijuana card, you can look over FAQs from qualifying patients or contact the Arizona Department for Health Services.

What Are the Recreational Marijuana Laws in Arizona?

In Arizona, anyone over the age of 21 can use marijuana recreationally. However, it’s important to know there are still stipulations to its use.

When using marijuana in any form, it is still illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence. This law keeps both you and others on the road safe, as marijuana can slow down your reaction speeds, making you more of a hazard on the road than while you’re sober.

It’s also important to note that employers are still allowed to ban the use of marijuana. Companies still have every right to deem their work environment marijuana free, in the same way they can deem it alcohol-free. Make sure to abide by any rules your employer puts in place.

On a positive note, Arizona law enforcement is no longer allowed to perform warrantless searches of your home or vehicle based solely on the scent of marijuana being present. Since private, personal use is now legal for a majority of adults, police officers will need to receive a warrant before they can search your belongings based on scent.

Possession of Marijuana in Arizona

What Are the Marijuana Possession Laws in Arizona?

When it comes to possessing marijuana in Arizona, people over the age of 21 are able to have up to one ounce of marijuana in their possession or five grams of concentrate. However, if you are found with more than the legal amounts on your person, you can be charged with a petty offense or more severe charges, depending on the amount.

With medical marijuana, patients of any age can qualify for a medical card. If you are under 18, medical marijuana caregivers come into play. As a minor, you must have a legal guardian apply for a caregiver card, where the same restrictions apply to adult medical patients.

What is the Amount of Marijuana Allowed by Arizona Law?

As mentioned previously, adults 21 and over are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and up to five grams of concentrate. If you’re found with more than one ounce but less than two and a half ounces, you can be charged with a petty offense. If you have more than two and a half ounces, you can be charged with a much more serious crime.

If you prefer to grow your own marijuana for recreational use, you are allowed to grow up to six plants in your home. Again, it’s vital that these plants are secured in your home and away from any minors who may have access to them.

With the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, marijuana paraphernalia is also legal to have in your possession.

Finally, making a sale of recreational marijuana to another legal adult is legal as long as it’s less than an ounce. Once you sell higher amounts or get into trafficking amounts, you can begin facing severe legal consequences. It’s essential to follow the laws still, even as they become more relaxed.

If you have a medical marijuana card (or caregiver card), you are allowed to purchase up to two and a half ounces of marijuana every two weeks. If you purchase more than you’re allowed in the allotted time, it is a petty offense in the state of Arizona.

Arizona Reciprocity

Reciprocity is where a state recognizes the medical marijuana status of someone from another state. In Arizona, reciprocity is offered to anyone with a medical marijuana card from another state with similar laws and registration processes. 

However, it’s important to remember that when in Arizona, you must abide by their laws concerning medical marijuana, even if they differ from your home state.

If you have a medical marijuana card in Arizona, you are offered reciprocity in Nevada. Again, you will be required to follow all marijuana laws in place in the state of Nevada while you’re there.

Growing Medical Marijuana in AZ

Can You Grow Medical Marijuana in AZ?

If you have a medical marijuana card or are a caregiver for someone with a card, you are able to grow your own marijuana in certain cases. You can only grow your own medical marijuana if you live 25 miles or more away from the nearest dispensary.

If you live closer than the allotted miles to a dispensary, you aren’t able to grow your own cannabis for medical purposes. Doing so can lead to legal action being taken against you or your caregiver.

How Many Plants Can a Caregiver Grow in Arizona?

Under the Arizona caregiver laws, caregivers that have gone through the appropriate process to receive their official status and card are allowed to grow up to twelve marijuana plants for personal use, only for whom they are giving care.

However, it’s important to note that these plants must be grown in specific environments. All marijuana plants must be grown in an enclosed space that is in no way accessible to minors. Making sure the plants are securely put away while growing will help you stay upstanding when it comes to caregiver laws.

Arizona Cultivation License Application

If you want to grow marijuana for business purposes, you have to file a cultivation license application in Arizona. Before you apply for the cultivation license, you have to have been a resident in Arizona for three or more years from the date of application.

If you’re looking to open up a medical dispensary or simply become a marijuana grower, Arizona requires you to employ a doctor that is licensed through the state. Make sure you have taken care of this requirement before applying in order to avoid unnecessary delays.

Since the marijuana laws are still relatively new in Arizona, there’s a chance for the requirements of the cultivation license to change. For the most up-to-date information on the application, it’s best to reach out to the Arizona Department of Health Services. They will be able to confirm what steps are required and help you get the application process started.

Takeaway

Is marijuana legal in Arizona? Yes, it is. As of the end of 2020, both medical and recreational marijuana use is permitted within the state of Arizona. However, it’s important to remember that there are still laws in place regarding the amount of marijuana you can possess, how many plants you can grow, and where you can use marijuana.

Whether you are an Arizona citizen or planning on taking a trip to Arizona, make sure you understand the restrictions put on the use of marijuana that you qualify for. Never give marijuana to someone under the age of 21. If you need a medical card, it’s essential to go through the process of applying for one.

With the proper knowledge of Arizona medical marijuana laws, you will be set up to successfully take part in using your medical card while making sure not to misuse the system. The same goes if you only qualify for recreational use in Arizona.

We may not be live in Arizona, but our partners at Heally are. Click here to get your AZ MMJ card completely online.

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