Cannabis and the Law: What You Need to Know
Even though cannabis is becoming much more widely accepted and many states are passing legislation making it legal to purchase and consume, it is still a highly regulated industry. As such, it’s important for people who consume cannabis to be aware of all of the laws in place and how they have changed over time.
We know that the law can be pretty complicated sometimes so we just wanted to give you the basics things that your everyday, regular user wants to know.
Brief History of Cannabis Legalization in Arizona
In November 2020, Arizona voters approved Proposition 207, which legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults 21 and over. This came about 10 years after the legalization of medical marijuana in 2010 through the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act.
Under the current laws, adults 21 and older can legally possess, purchase, and use cannabis in Arizona. However, there are still regulations that govern the quantity of cannabis someone can possess, where it can be consumed, and how it can be grown or distributed.
Possession Limits
One of the most important aspects of cannabis laws is understanding possession limits. Under Proposition 207 in Arizona:
- Recreational marijuana patients: Can legally possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis. However, only up to 5 grams of that 1 ounce can be in the form of cannabis concentrate.
- Medical marijuana patients: May possess up to 2.5 ounces (about 70 grams) of cannabis in a 14-day period, but there are no specific limits on the amount of cannabis concentrate as long as it does not exceed the total weight limit.
It’s important to stay within limits to avoid potential legal issues. Possessing more than the legal amount can result in criminal charges, including hefty fines and possible jail time.
If you’re unsure about the allotment rules as it pertains to you, feel free to ask your budtender for more information.
Consumption Restrictions
Even though cannabis is legal for adult use in Arizona, there are still restrictions on where you can consume it.
The safest place to consume cannabis is on private property, such as in your home. However, landlords and property owners have the right to prohibit cannabis use on their property and may impose those rules on their tenants.
It is currently illegal to consume cannabis in public places in Arizona. This includes parks, sidewalks, restaurants, bars, and vehicles. If you are caught consuming cannabis in public, it can result in fines and/or other penalties.
Additionally, driving under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited and treated similarly to driving under the influence of alcohol. Arizona has strict DUI laws, and being caught driving while impaired can lead to severe consequences, including license suspension, fines, and jail time.
Medical Marijuana Program
Arizona’s medical marijuana program remains active alongside the recreational cannabis laws. To qualify for the medical marijuana program, patients must have a qualifying medical condition, as defined by the Arizona Department of Health.
Patients who have a medical marijuana card can purchase cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries. A person can qualify for a medical card themselves when they turn 18, as opposed to the age requirement of 21 for recreational cannabis. They are also exempt from the state sales tax that applies to recreational cannabis.
Qualified patients can designate a caregiver to assist them in obtaining and administering medical marijuana. Caregivers are subject to background checks and must adhere to specific guidelines set by the Department of Health Services.
Additionally, patients under the age of 18 can get a medical card as long as they have a parent or guardian listed as a caregiver on their application. This caregiver is then responsible for purchasing and managing the medical cannabis for the minor patient.
Purchasing Cannabis
Cannabis must be purchased from state-licensed dispensaries. It is illegal to buy cannabis from unlicensed vendors or through black market channels.
Arizona has strict regulations regarding the sale and distribution of cannabis, and purchasing from an unauthorized source can result in significant legal penalties.
Additionally, Recreational cannabis is subject to a 16% excise tax in addition to the standard state and local sales taxes.
Employment and Cannabis Use
While cannabis is legal for adult use in Arizona, employers have the right to enforce their own drug policies. This means that even if you are a legal cannabis user, you could still face disciplinary action, including termination if your employer has a zero-tolerance policy.
For medical marijuana patients, the situation is slightly different. Arizona law provides some protection for medical marijuana cardholders against employment discrimination. However, this protection does not extend to employees who use cannabis on the job or come to work impaired.
Understanding the cannabis laws is essential for anyone considering using cannabis, whether recreationally or medically. Making sure that you are adhering to these regulations will help to ensure that you have a smooth and positive cannabis experience.
Make sure that you stop by NatureMed for all of your cannabis needs, we’ll make sure that you have everything you need. Check out our online menu to see all that we have to offer as well as our specials page to see all the ways you can save!