Arizona is one of the states that has legalized marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes. Adults who are 21 and older can buy, have, use, and grow cannabis in the state without worrying about breaking the law. Still, there are certain rules and regulations you should know before indulging in marijuana in Arizona. These are some of the key ones:
Rules on How Much You Can Have
In Arizona, you can have up to one ounce of usable marijuana or five grams of concentrate for recreational use. This is relevant for both flowers and edibles. If you have more than the legal limit, you may receive a petty offense charge along with a $100 fine. Minors found with under one ounce of marijuana may also face a $100 fine and four hours of drug counseling.
Medical marijuana patients have a higher possession limit. You are allowed to have 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks with a valid registry identification card from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). In 2019, the Arizona Supreme Court declared that cannabis extracts and edibles are permitted under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA).
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Buying Restrictions
The purchasing limit for recreational marijuana matches the possession limit. You are allowed to purchase either one ounce of flower or five grams of concentrate from a dispensary that is licensed by the state. Edibles are available for purchase, with a limit of 10 mg of THC per dose and 100 mg per package.
Medical marijuana patients have the same purchasing limit as the possession limit. You are allowed to purchase a maximum of 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks from a dispensary. You can purchase cannabis extracts and edibles, provided they are clearly labeled with the THC and CBD content.
Also Read: Texas Marijuana Laws in 2024 You Must Need to Know!
Rules for Consumption
Marijuana consumption is only allowed in private locations in Arizona. It is not allowed to smoke, vape, or consume cannabis in public, and doing so may lead to a fine of up to $300. Avoid consuming marijuana on public transportation, in a dispensary, or near a school. Medical marijuana patients are allowed to eat edibles in public, as long as they are not driving or engaging in any other careless behavior.
Driving while under the influence of marijuana is not permitted in Arizona. Operating a vehicle, aircraft, or boat under the influence of cannabis is against the law and may lead to a DUI offense. There is no set THC limit in the blood in the state; instead, it depends on the officer’s observation and judgment. As a medical marijuana patient, you cannot be charged with DUI just because marijuana metabolites are found in your system. The key factor is whether you are impaired.
Rules for Cultivation
To cultivate marijuana in Arizona, you must be at least 21 years old and reside over 25 miles from a dispensary. You are allowed to cultivate up to six plants per individual or 12 plants per residence, provided they are kept in a secure and enclosed location away from public view. You are allowed to share your homegrown marijuana with other adults, as long as you do not receive any payment for it.
Medical marijuana patients have the option to cultivate their own marijuana plants if they reside over 25 miles from a dispensary and possess a cultivation authorization from the ADHS. Each patient can cultivate up to 12 plants in a secure and concealed location away from public view. Another option is to appoint a caregiver to cultivate marijuana on their behalf, provided that the caregiver is registered with the ADHS and does not exceed five patients.
Rules for Expungement
The Smart and Safe Marijuana Act offers the opportunity for individuals with previous marijuana-related convictions to request expungement. Expungement erases the conviction from your criminal record, allowing you to legally deny its occurrence. This can assist you with employment, education, housing, and other opportunities.
- If you have been convicted of any of the following offenses, you are eligible to apply for expungement:
- You can have, use, or carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or 12.5 grams of concentrate
- Growing, carrying, or handling a maximum of six marijuana plants
- Having, utilizing, or carrying marijuana accessories
- Carrying, delivering, or sharing up to one ounce of marijuana or five grams of concentrate with someone who is at least 21 years old
You can submit a petition for expungement to the court that oversaw your case, beginning on July 12, 2021. Your petition will be reviewed by the court and will be granted unless there is clear and convincing evidence that you are not eligible. The court will inform the prosecutor and the arresting agency of your petition, and they have the option to raise objections within 30 days. If your petition is approved, the court will instruct the appropriate agencies to seal or destroy your records.
In conclusion
Arizona has made significant progress, transitioning from having some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country to becoming one of the most progressive states in terms of cannabis legalization. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that using marijuana comes with specific limitations and repercussions. It is important to adhere to the rules and regulations regarding marijuana possession, consumption, cultivation, and expungement in the state. This way, you can safely and legally enjoy your cannabis in Arizona.
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