Arizona Cannabis Laws You Definitely Need to Know!

Arizona is one of the states that has legalized cannabis for both medical and recreational use. However, there are still some rules and regulations that you need to be aware of before you enjoy your cannabis in the Grand Canyon State. Here are some of the most important things you need to know about Arizona cannabis laws.

Possession and Purchase Limits

As an adult aged 21 or older, you can legally possess up to one ounce of usable cannabis or five grams of concentrate in Arizona. You can also purchase cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary, but you cannot buy more than the possession limit at a time. If you are a medical cannabis patient, you can possess up to two and a half ounces of cannabis every two weeks, as long as you have a valid registry identification card from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).

Consumption and Driving

You can consume cannabis in Arizona, but only in private places. Smoking cannabis in public is prohibited, and you can face a fine of up to $300 if you violate this rule. You can also consume cannabis in edible form in public, as long as you are not operating a vehicle or doing anything else that could be considered negligent or impaired.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in Arizona, and you can be charged with a DUI if you have any amount of THC or its metabolites in your blood or urine. The penalties for a DUI can include fines, license suspension, probation, and even jail time.

Cultivation and Delivery

You can grow your own cannabis in Arizona, but only if you live more than 25 miles away from the nearest dispensary. In that case, you can cultivate up to six plants per person or 12 plants per household, as long as they are in a locked and enclosed area that is not visible to the public.

You cannot sell or give away your homegrown cannabis to anyone else, unless they are also 21 or older and you do not receive any compensation. You can also order cannabis delivery from a licensed dispensary, but only if you are a medical cannabis patient. Recreational cannabis delivery is not allowed in Arizona yet, but it may be available in the future.

Expungement and Decriminalization

One of the benefits of legalizing cannabis in Arizona is that it allows people with past cannabis convictions to petition for expungement, which means that their records will be cleared of any charges or sentences related to cannabis.

The expungement process began on July 12, 2021, and anyone who was arrested, charged, convicted, or sentenced for possessing, consuming, cultivating, or transporting cannabis up to the legal limits can apply for expungement through the court system.

Another benefit of legalizing cannabis is that it reduces the penalties for minor cannabis offenses. Possessing more than the legal limit of cannabis is no longer a felony, but a petty offense that carries a fine of up to $300.

Conclusion

Arizona has come a long way from having some of the strictest cannabis laws in the country to becoming one of the states that has embraced cannabis legalization for both medical and recreational use. However, there are still some rules and regulations that you need to follow if you want to enjoy your cannabis in Arizona without getting into trouble. By knowing the possession and purchase limits, the consumption and driving laws, the cultivation and delivery options, and the expungement and decriminalization opportunities, you can make the most of your cannabis experience in Arizona.