Arizona Cannabis Laws

Is cannabis legal in Arizona?

Both medical marijuana and adult use are legal in Arizona.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Arizona?

Medical cannabis laws in Arizona

2010

Ballot Proposition 203, “The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act,” is approved. This means that a patient with a written or oral certificate by a physician could use, cultivate and possess cannabis.

2012

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) released the revised rules for regulating medical marijuana. Arizona’s first medical marijuana dispensary, ‘Arizona Organic’ also opens up.

2013

Governor Jan Brewer signs Senate Bill 1443.

Recreational cannabis:

2016

Proposition 205, which would have legalized recreational, adult-use marijuana, fails.

2020

Proposition 207 is passed, and recreational, adult-use marijuana is legalized in Arizona. The Smart and Safe Act legalizes the adult use of marijuana. For those 21 or over, possession of up to 1 ounce (28 g) of marijuana (with no more than 5 grams being marijuana concentrate) or growing up to 6 marijuana plants at their home (with up to 12 marijuana plants in households with two or more adult members) is now legal.

What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona?

The Arizona law lists the following medical conditions as qualifiers for a medical cannabis card:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
• Cancer
• Crohn’s Disease
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Seizures (including Epilepsy)
• Severe and Chronic Pain
• Severe Nausea
• Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristics of multiple sclerosis (M.S.)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

How do I get certified for medical cannabis in Arizona?

To become a medical cannabis patient in Arizona, you’ll need to:

• Attend a consultation
• Get approved and receive your certificate
• You can complete your application online and pay the Arizona DoH fee of $150 on their Medical Marijuana Online Registry System.
• Your application will be reviewed and either approved or denied, and you’ll receive your card once approved.

Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Arizona?

No, telemedicine is not legal in Arizona for getting certified for cannabis. At this time, Leafwell cannot certify patients in Arizona.

How much cannabis can I possess in Arizona with an MMJ Card?

Medical marijuana patients = 2.5 ounces.

Recreational/Adult-Use Marijuana = 1 ounce. Up to 5 grams concentrate.

Is it legal to grow cannabis in Arizona?

Qualifying patients or caregivers who live more than 25 miles away from a legally recognized marijuana dispensary may cultivate medical marijuana. Up to 12 cannabis plants can be grown for a qualifying individual.

All adults may cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants (a maximum of 12, with two adult users per household) on their property.

Does Arizona accept out-of-state cards?

Yes, Arizona has medical marijuana reciprocity and recognizes other states’ medical marijuana cards.

Will my Arizona card be accepted in other states?

Yes, an Arizona medical marijuana card is recognized in some states with a medical marijuana program.

The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:

• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Utah
• Washington, D.C.

However, this does not always mean you can purchase cannabis at a medical marijuana dispensary (non-medical adult use is acceptable) – just that the state’s medical marijuana laws protect you to some extent. It is wise to call the dispensary ahead if you are a medical cannabis patient from another state and intend to purchase medical marijuana.

The qualifying condition usually has to match between states, so if your qualifying condition is accepted in one state and not your visiting state, your recommendation is not necessarily valid. You are also accountable to the visiting state’s medical marijuana laws, not the state that issued your card.

The following states accept out-of-state applications, allowing visiting patient application to use medical cannabis for the duration of their stay:

• Arkansas
• California
• Hawaii
• West Virginia (cancer patients only)

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis cardholders in Arizona?

Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Act (the “AMMA”) explicitly provides a statutory protection against employment discrimination for one’s status as an MMJ cardholder. Except for federal employees or other jobs exempt from AMMA, you cannot be fired simply for having a medical marijuana card.

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Arizona?

Products are tested for microbial contamination, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, growth regulators, and residual solvents. Cannabis products will also be tested to determine cannabinoid potency.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Arizona?

In all states with a medical marijuana program, the only way to purchase medicinal cannabis products is via a legally-licensed dispensary or pharmacy or another legally designated space to buy cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can do so.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Arizona?

All states with a medical marijuana program have some restrictions on where a person can legally use cannabis. Near schools, nurseries, parks, or other places where children are expected to be, using cannabis is illegal. Use of cannabis on or in federal land or buildings, hospitals, or other such healthcare space is also illegal. Private members’ clubs and landowners may also prohibit cannabis use on their property or restrict it at their discretion.

The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense, generally keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet consumption methods wherever possible.