Arizona Marijuana Laws

Marijuana Laws In Arizona

In the past, an arrest for marijuana possession would require the help of an attorney from a criminal defense law firm. However, due to the increasing legislative changes, you have the duty to understand marijuana laws based on where you live. Generally, there are different bills for the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana, and these bills vary from state to state. Still, if you’re a resident of Arizona, you’re in the right place to know about everything there is to know about the marijuana laws of the state.

Marijuana was legalized in Arizona under the voter approval section 207. The statement legalized marijuana by indicating that anyone above the age of twenty-one years can possess or use it for recreational purposes. However, to any confusion regarding usage, below is everything you should know about the Arizona marijuana laws:

Arizona Prop 207: Marijuana Legalization

If you possessed and used marijuana in Arizona based on 2020 laws, it’s time to understand that significant changes are now in effect. These changes were passed to legalize marijuana in Arizona for recreational use. Additionally, the changes also legalized marijuana for medical use. However, the rules decriminalized the use and possession of certain types of marijuana.

Proposition 207 includes a new statute (A.R.S. § 36-2862) that also allows you to file a petition for a record of expungement if you were previously convicted for marijuana-based offenses. If you were to file for a petition because you were previously convicted for illegal possession, you had from 12th July 2021 to start processing your expungement procedures.

What You Should Know About The Current Laws

As stated earlier, the recent Arizona change in marijuana laws allowed for medical and recreational usage. Therefore, to comprehensively understand these laws, below is a breakdown of each:

Arizona Medical Marijuana Laws

These laws were enacted and legalized in 2010. The first proposition was first in 2002 to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes. However, the proposition did not become law until 2010. Still, even after passing these laws, the selling of marijuana for medical uses did not immediately start in Arizona until December 2012. However, the sale of marijuana for medical help is still only allowed if you’ve got a valid medical identification card indicating you need marijuana for medicinal reasons.

Recreation Marijuana Laws In Arizona

These laws and regulations went into effect in 2021. According to authorities and studies, they were passed in early November 2020 by Prop 207, the Arizona Smart and Safe Act. Generally, recreational laws mean you can legally use and possess marijuana, especially if you’re above twenty-one years old. They are also expected to become more effective after the state governor releases their official statement on the proclamation scheduled to happen in the spring season of 2021.

What Do These Laws Mean To You As A Resident User in Arizona?

While these laws are clearly explained, there are unique meanings you should keep in mind, especially since some, like the recreational ones, are waiting for the governor to make their final statements and more. As such, here’s what you should keep in mind before using and possessing marijuana:

You Are Allowed To Possess A Specified Amount

The standard amount these laws allow you to use and possess is up to an ounce of marijuana or about five grams of the same for recreational needs. However, suppose you’re looking to use marijuana for medical conditions, in that case, you’re allowed to have about two and a half ounces and a medical card indicating you’re eligible to have marijuana for medical reasons.

Number Of Plants And People To Grow Marijuana

The laws also stated that you’re allowed to grow only about six cannabis plants, and the number of people allowed to grow it should be one or two per household. Lastly, the same laws will enable you to sell marijuana for recreational uses only starting from March 2021.

Penalties and Punishments for Breaking the Arizona Marijuana Laws

Even though the state legalized marijuana, you’re still eligible for penalties and other punishments if you break the laws in the following manner:

• You are not allowed to use marijuana for recreational purposes in public areas like recreational gardens and more. You’ll also be fined for using marijuana while driving and operating any other motor vehicle.
• If you’re under 21, it is a crime to possess or use marijuana in Arizona. This means even if someone sends you for recreational or medical use, you’ll be fined because of breaking the age limit for possessing it.
• Not everyone can sell marijuana unless you’re a licensed vendor. The selling of marijuana is considered a crime without having permission from above. However, most licensed vendors are only allowed to sell it for recreational needs.

Consequences for Breaking the Marijuana Set Laws in Arizona

Suppose you’re found guilty of violating any of the above regulations, you’ll be charged according to the current ground laws, which can include:

Facing criminal charges with severe penalties

This can happen when you’re found in marijuana-related crimes such as driving under the influence, possessing and using below the legal age, and more.

Arizona has a no-tolerance law in regard to driving under the influence of marijuana. Such offenses are treated similarly to driving under the influence of alcohol charges. Any amount of marijuana in an individual’s system will result in an arrest and subsequent charges.

Unlawful possession and intent to sell

This is also charged differently from other marijuana-related crimes, mainly because the intention is to sell it for recreational use and not medicinal. When found guilty of this crime, it can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor based on the amount you’re caught with or the current ground laws. Charges for this kind of crime will risk you jail time which the law will determine, or fines.

In a nutshell, it is paramount to understand these and more marijuana laws in Arizona, significantly to help you avoid falling out with the law. Understanding these laws will help you avoid lifelong consequences such as affecting your employment history and more.