What is the legal status of cannabis in Arizona, United States?
In Arizona, United States, cannabis is legal for medical use but remains illegal for recreational use. In November 2020, Arizona voters approved Proposition 207, the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. However, this new law will not take effect until the Arizona Department of Health Services finalizes its regulations for recreational marijuana sales, which is expected to occur by April 2021.
What is the public opinion on cannabis in Arizona, United States?
Public opinion on cannabis in Arizona has shifted significantly in recent years. In the 2020 election, 60% of Arizona voters approved Proposition 207, which legalized recreational marijuana use for adults. This indicates a growing acceptance and support for cannabis legalization in the state. However, there are still those who oppose the legalization of cannabis, citing concerns about public safety, drug addiction, and the potential negative impact on the state’s economy.
What are the laws and penalties for cannabis use in Arizona?
As of now, recreational cannabis use is still illegal in Arizona, and possession of any amount can result in a felony charge. However, once Proposition 207 takes effect, adults aged 21 and older will be allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and cultivate up to six plants at home for personal use. Public consumption of marijuana will remain illegal, and driving under the influence of marijuana is still prohibited.
Until the new law takes effect, penalties for marijuana possession in Arizona can include fines, probation, and even jail time, depending on the amount possessed and whether the individual has prior convictions. Possession of less than two pounds for personal use is considered a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
What is marijuana called in Arizona, United States?
In Arizona, marijuana is often referred to by its scientific name, cannabis, as well as various slang terms such as weed, pot, and ganja. The term medical marijuana is used to describe cannabis that is legally obtained and used by patients with qualifying medical conditions.
What is the legal status of CBD in Arizona, United States?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants that is legal in Arizona. In 2018, the Arizona State Legislature passed the Hemp Farming Act, which legalized the production, processing, and sale of hemp-derived CBD products with a THC concentration of 0.3% or less. CBD products are widely available throughout the state and can be purchased without a medical marijuana card.
How is medical marijuana regulated in Arizona?
Medical marijuana has been legal in Arizona since 2010, when voters approved the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA). The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is responsible for regulating the state’s medical marijuana program, including issuing medical marijuana cards to qualifying patients, licensing dispensaries, and overseeing the cultivation and distribution of medical cannabis.
Patients with qualifying medical conditions can apply for a medical marijuana card, which allows them to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks. Qualifying conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, and chronic pain, among others.
Can I grow cannabis in Arizona, United States?
Currently, only registered medical marijuana patients who live more than 25 miles from a dispensary are allowed to grow cannabis in Arizona. These patients can cultivate up to 12 plants in an enclosed, locked facility. However, once Proposition 207 takes effect, adults aged 21 and older will be allowed to grow up to six cannabis plants at home for personal use, regardless of their proximity to a dispensary.
The main government resources related to cannabis in Arizona are the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), which oversees the state’s medical marijuana program, and the Arizona Department of Agriculture, which regulates the production and processing of hemp-derived CBD products. For information on the upcoming implementation of recreational marijuana legalization under Proposition 207, the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office is a helpful resource.