Arizona is among the states that have approved cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. Still, there are rules and regulations you must know before enjoying cannabis in the Grand Canyon State. These are key points to understand about Arizona’s cannabis regulations.
Rules on Possession and Purchase Limits
Individuals 21 years old or older in Arizona are allowed to have one ounce of cannabis or five grams of concentrate. You can buy cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary, but make sure not to exceed the possession limit during a single purchase. Medical cannabis patients in Arizona are allowed to have up to two and a half ounces of cannabis every two weeks with a valid registry identification card from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).
Driving and Consumption
In Arizona, cannabis consumption is allowed only in private locations. It is not allowed to smoke cannabis in public, and breaking this rule can result in a fine of up to $300. Consuming cannabis in edible form in public is allowed, as long as you are not driving or engaging in any activities that could be deemed reckless or impaired.
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It is against the law to drive while under the influence of marijuana in Arizona. If you have any THC or its byproducts in your system, you can face DUI charges. Penalties for a DUI may involve fines, suspension of license, probation, and potential jail time.
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Cultivation and Delivery
In Arizona, you are allowed to cultivate your own cannabis as long as you reside over 25 miles from the closest dispensary. You are allowed to grow up to six plants per person or 12 plants per household, provided they are kept in a secure and enclosed location away from public view.
It is important to remember that you cannot distribute your homegrown cannabis to others unless they are 21 or older and you do not receive any payment. Medical cannabis patients can easily order cannabis delivery from a licensed dispensary. Currently, recreational cannabis delivery is not permitted in Arizona, but there is a possibility that it could be allowed in the future.
Clearing Records and Reducing Penalties
Legalizing cannabis in Arizona has the advantage of enabling individuals with previous cannabis convictions to request expungement. This process results in the removal of any charges or sentences associated with cannabis from their records. The expungement process started on July 12, 2021. Individuals who were involved in cannabis-related activities within legal limits can seek expungement through the court system. Another advantage of legalizing cannabis is the decrease in penalties for minor cannabis offenses. Having an amount of cannabis exceeding the legal limit is now considered a minor offense, resulting in a fine of up to $300 instead of a felony charge.
In conclusion
Arizona has made significant progress in transitioning from having some of the strictest cannabis laws in the country to fully embracing cannabis legalization for both medical and recreational purposes. Still, there are specific rules and regulations to adhere to in order to safely enjoy cannabis in Arizona. Understanding possession and purchase limits, consumption and driving laws, cultivation and delivery options, and expungement and decriminalization opportunities will help you maximize your cannabis experience in Arizona.
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