Is Cannabis Legal In Arizona?

Are you someone that wants to learn more about cannabis laws in Arizona?

Cannabis is a drug that many people use as a way to address anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. It’s also an alternative to painkillers for those recovering from surgery.

So how about Arizona? Is Cannabis legal in Arizona or not? Here’s everything you should know about cannabis legalization in Arizona. Read on to find out!

Recent Legislation on Cannabis Use in Arizona

Recent legislation on cannabis use in Arizona has made it clear that the use of Cannabis is illegal for the majority of citizens. Medical marijuana laws in Arizona have been approved in a referendum, and patients with debilitating conditions may possess but not necessarily use it.

Arizona law allows twenty-eight approved dispensaries to produce and sell Cannabis for medicinal purposes. All dispensaries require proper licensing and state identification.

Non-medical use of Cannabis is still illegal, and possession of any amount is punishable by prison time. Although the literature states Cannabis is legal in Arizona, this is not the case.

It is important to note that while medical marijuana has been sanctioned, Arizona citizens need to be aware that all other forms of cannabis use remain illegal according to recent legislation in the state.

Difference Between Medical and Recreational Marijuana Laws in Arizona

In Arizona, medical and recreational Cannabis differ primarily in terms of access and usage. Medical Cannabis is legal in Arizona, though its access is tightly regulated.

When patients certify, they can purchase medical Cannabis from dispensaries with an authorized license. At Harvest, those who are registered to use medical Cannabis are able to possess a certain amount of the product.

Recreational Cannabis, however, is not legal in Arizona. While people over 21 won’t face any legal penalties for simply possessing Cannabis, it is still considered a criminal charge.

Currently, individuals are incarcerated in Arizona for certain cannabis practices, though some advocacy groups are pushing for state-wide legalization in the near future.

The Penalties for Unauthorized Cannabis Use in Arizona

Answering the question, is cannabis legal in Arizona? Cannabis is currently illegal to use and possess in Arizona, except in certain instances where it can be used medically. Given this, the penalties for the unauthorized use of Cannabis in Arizona can be significant.

For example, first-time felony possession of specific amounts of marijuana can result in up to two years of prison time, along with fines of up to $150,000. Additionally, possession of drug paraphernalia is illegal in Arizona. It can result in an additional misdemeanor charge with a potential penalty of up to $750 and a minimum of 10 days in prison.

Those convicted of violating Arizona’s drug laws may also be subjected to court-ordered drug abuse treatment or community service. As such, individuals should be sure to know and adhere to the laws regarding cannabis use in Arizona.