Weed Laws in Arizona
Arizona is located in the heart of the Southwest, bordered by Colorado, New Mexico, California, Utah, and Mexico. The desert state is home to nearly 7.5 million people, the 14th largest in the US.
Arizona’s history goes back to the days of the Spanish conquest when it was part of New Spain. Eventually, it became part of Mexico, after the country won its independence in 1821. However, it didn’t remain Mexican territory for long. The United States won the territory that would become Arizona in the Mexican-American war in 1848. It wasn’t until 1912 that Arizona would become the 48th state.
Like other southwestern states, Arizona’s landscape is dominated by desert, but Arizona also draws tourists with its beautiful mountain ranges, canyons, and famous lakes. The Grand Canyon runs through Arizona, but so does Antelope Canyon. You can also find natural wonders like Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Havasu Falls, the Painted Desert, Meteor Crater National Landmark, and the Petrified Forest National Park all in Arizona.
Is Weed Legal in Arizona?
YES. Adults aged 21 and over can legally take marijuana for medicinal or recreational use in the state of Arizona.
Weed Legalization in Arizona
Arizona has a complicated past with medical cannabis legalization going back to 1996, when the first attempt at legalization was made. In 1998, the state officially legalized medical cannabis with propositions 300 and 301, but the legislation opened doctors up to retaliation by the DEA, making it highly ineffective. The last unsuccessful attempt at legalization came in 2002 when an initiative failed to pass that would have made a doctor’s written recommendation enough to obtain medical cannabis. Finally, in 2010, Arizona voters passed Proposition 203, which legalized medical cannabis in the state.
It would be another ten years until Arizona would legalize adult-use recreational cannabis in 2020. Similar to 2010, the state put the decision to a popular vote. The people of Arizona approved Proposition 207 with 60.03% of voters in favor.
As of 2022, the consumption of cannabis is legal for medicinal and recreational use in the state of Arizona.
Cannabis Tax in Arizona
The states levies a 5.6% - 7.6% tax on medical marijuana purchases, which covers:
- Transaction Privilege Tax
The state levies a 21.6% tax on recreational marijuana purchases, which covers:
- Excise tax - 16%
- Transaction Privilege tax - from 5.6% - 7.6% depending on your location.
Medical cannabis patients in Arizona are exempt from the state's excise tax, saving med card holders up to 16% on every purchase.
Is Cannabis Delivery Available in Arizona?
YES, but only for medicinal purposes in Arizona, for people with a licensed medical marijuana card.
Where Can You Legally Use Weed in Arizona?
Cannabis can be legally used in the following areas in Arizona:
🗹 Private properties such as residences
Cannabis CANNOT be consumed in:
X Public spaces
X Businesses that lack a license for commercial cannabis consumption
X Motorized vehicles in motion, for both driver and passengers
X Federal land, like national parks
What are the Restrictions on Cannabis Possession in Arizona?
Adults aged 21 and above may purchase and possess up to:
- Cannabis: 1 ounce / 28.35 grams
- Cannabis concentrates: 0.176 ounces / 5 grams
For transfer to another adult:
- Dried cannabis: 1 ounce / 28.35 grams
- Cannabis concentrates: 0.176 ounces / 5 grams
For the state’s home cultivation program:
- Maximum # of plants: 6
- Medical marijuana patients that live at least 25 miles from a dispensary can apply to grow more.
For medicinal use:
- Cannabis: 2.5 ounces / 70.87 grams
- Cannabis concentrates: 0.88 ounces / 25 grams
During vehicular transportation:
- Cannabis may either be in a sealed container or
- Stored in the trunk of the vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana in Arizona
What documentation do I need to become a medical marijuana patient in Arizona?
In order to register as a medical marijuana patient in Arizona, you’ll need a current photo taken within the past 60 days, a state-issued driver’s license or a valid US passport, a completed Medical Marijuana Patient Attestation Form, and a completed Medical Marijuana Physician certification form filled out by your certifying physician.
How long is my Arizona medical marijuana card good for?
Arizona medical marijuana cards are valid for 2 years. You will be eligible to renew within 30 days of when your registration expires. It’s recommended that you renew then to prevent a lapse.
Where can medical cannabis patients use medical marijuana in Arizona?
It is currently illegal to consume cannabis in public in Arizona. Both adult use consumers and medical marijuana patients will need to use their medication in their own homes.
Can I be fired for being a medical marijuana patient in Arizona?
The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act states that employers cannot penalize employees for being medical marijuana patients. They can only penalize patients for possessing, using, or being under the influence of cannabis at work.
How can I register as a designated caregiver in Arizona?
You need to be an Arizona resident over 21 without a felony conviction for one of the excluded offenses. Then, submit the required application to the AZ DHS website.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
