Is Marijuana Legal in Arizona? Here’s What You Need to Know

Arizona fully legalized recreational marijuana with Proposition 207 (the Smart and Safe Act), approved by voters in November 2020 and implemented by early 2021. Adults age 21 and over now enjoy legal access under defined rules. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2010 via Proposition 203.

Legal Status: Possession & Purchase

• Adults 21+  may possess up to one ounce (28 grams) of marijuana, with a 5‑gram limit on concentrates.
• Possession of more than one ounce—up to 2.5 ounces—is a petty offense with a small fine.
• Larger amounts may result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on quantity.

Home Cultivation Rules

• Adults may grow up to six cannabis plants per person, or 12 plants per household if two or more adults live together.
• Cultivation must take place in private, secured settings and out of public view.
• Plants and products grown at home may be shared with other adults up to one ounce—but may not be sold.

Dispensaries, Sales & Taxes

• Licensed recreational sales began in January 2021 through regulated dispensaries.
• Marijuana is subject to a 16% excise tax plus regular 5.6% sales tax, raising revenue for community colleges, police and fire departments, roads, justice programs, and regulatory enforcement.
• The state has generated nearly $1 billion in sales, and over $250 million in tax revenue since legalization.

Restrictions on Use

• Public consumption is prohibited, including in parks, sidewalks, bars, or shared private buildings.
• Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal—even trace metabolites in the body may trigger DUI charges.

Medical Marijuana Differences

Medical cannabis was legalized in 2010. Key distinctions include:

• Patients may possess up to 2.5 ounces over a two‑week period and may qualify for up to 12 home-grown plants if living far from a dispensary.
• Medical users pay lower taxes than recreational users.
• Registered patients receive legal protections in employment, housing, education, and custody matters.
• Out-of-state registry holders can access Arizona medical dispensaries under reciprocity rules.

Penalties for Violation

• Up to six plants or one ounce: no penalty.
• Between 1 oz and 2.5 oz: civil offense with fine.
• Over 2.5 oz or more than allowed cultivation: may result in felony charges.
• Selling without a license or cultivating above legal limits can lead to serious fines and jail time.
• Public use is a petty offense with fines.

Delivery & Local Restrictions

• Adult-use marijuana delivery began in late 2024, allowing dispensaries and licensed third-party services to deliver to consumers.
• Local jurisdictions can ban dispensaries, even while personal possession and home cultivation remain legal statewide.

Final Thoughts

Arizona’s cannabis laws offer legal recreational and medical access under a regulated system. Adults can possess, buy, and grow cannabis within defined limits—but public use and unlicensed distribution remain illegal.

Registered medical users enjoy additional benefits and protections. As delivery services expand, Arizona is positioning itself among the more progressive states on cannabis access.

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