Arizona Marijuana Laws You Definitely Need to Know!

Arizona is one of the states that has fully legalized marijuana for both recreational and medical use. This means that adults aged 21 and older can purchase, possess, consume, and cultivate cannabis in the state without fear of legal consequences. However, there are still some rules and regulations that you need to be aware of before you enjoy your weed in Arizona. Here are some of the most important ones:

Possession Limits

The legal possession limit for recreational marijuana in Arizona is one ounce of usable marijuana or five grams of concentrate. This applies to both flower and edibles. If you possess more than the legal limit, you could face a petty offense charge and a $100 fine. Minors caught with less than one ounce of marijuana can also receive a $100 fine and four hours of drug counseling.

For medical marijuana patients, the possession limit is higher. You can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks, as long as you have a valid registry identification card from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). You can also possess cannabis extracts and edibles, as the Arizona Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that they are legal under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA).

Purchasing Limits

The purchasing limit for recreational marijuana is the same as the possession limit. You can buy up to one ounce of flower or five grams of concentrate from a state-licensed dispensary. You can also buy edibles, but they cannot exceed 10 mg of THC per dose and 100 mg per package.

For medical marijuana patients, the purchasing limit is also the same as the possession limit. You can buy up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks from a dispensary. You can also buy cannabis extracts and edibles, as long as they are labeled with the amount of THC and CBD.

Consumption Rules

You can only consume marijuana in private places in Arizona. Smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis in public is prohibited and can result in a fine of up to $300. You also cannot consume marijuana on any form of public transportation, in a dispensary, or near a school. However, medical marijuana patients can consume edibles in public, as long as they are not operating a vehicle or doing anything else that could be considered negligent.

You also cannot drive under the influence of marijuana in Arizona. Driving, flying, or boating while impaired by cannabis is illegal and can result in a DUI charge. The state does not have a specific limit for THC in the blood, but rather relies on the officer’s observation and judgment. If you are a medical marijuana patient, you cannot be convicted of DUI solely based on the presence of marijuana metabolites in your system, unless you are impaired to the slightest degree.

Cultivation Rules

You can grow your own marijuana in Arizona, but only if you are 21 or older and live more than 25 miles away from a dispensary. You can grow 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 can also share your homegrown marijuana with other adults, as long as you do not receive any compensation for it.

Medical marijuana patients can also grow their own marijuana, but only if they live more than 25 miles away from a dispensary and have a cultivation authorization from the ADHS. They can grow up to 12 plants per patient, as long as they are in a locked and enclosed area that is not visible to the public. They can also designate a caregiver to grow marijuana for them, as long as the caregiver is registered with the ADHS and does not grow for more than five patients.

Expungement Rules

One of the benefits of the Smart and Safe Marijuana Act is that it allows people with past marijuana-related convictions to petition for expungement. Expungement means that the conviction is erased from your criminal record and you can legally deny that it ever happened. This can help you with employment, education, housing, and other opportunities.

You can apply for expungement if you have been convicted of any of the following offenses:

• Possessing, consuming, or transporting up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or 12.5 grams of concentrate
• Possessing, transporting, cultivating, or processing up to six marijuana plants
• Possessing, using, or transporting marijuana paraphernalia

Possessing, transporting, or transferring up to one ounce of marijuana or five grams of concentrate to another person who is at least 21 years old

You can file a petition for expungement with the court that handled your case, starting from July 12, 2021. The court will review your petition and grant it unless there is clear and convincing evidence that you are not eligible. The court will also notify the prosecutor and the arresting agency of your petition, and they can object to it within 30 days. If your petition is granted, the court will order the relevant agencies to seal or destroy your records.

Conclusion

Arizona has come a long way from having some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country to becoming one of the most progressive states in terms of cannabis legalization. However, this does not mean that you can use marijuana without any restrictions or consequences. You still need to follow the rules and regulations that govern marijuana possession, consumption, cultivation, and expungement in the state. By doing so, you can enjoy your weed in Arizona safely and legally.