Arizona
As of November 30, 2020, many of the laws with respect to cannabis possession changed due to the passage of Proposition 207 earlier in the month. It is now legal for an adult over the age of 21 to possess up to either 1 oz of marijuana or 5 g of concentrate. Adults are also allowed to grow six plants each, but no more than 12 plants will be allowed per household. As of January 22, 2021, cannabis sales to adults over the age of 21 who are not participating in the state's medicinal program became legal.
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Courts have been directed to offer probation to individuals arrested for first- and second-time possession, provided they are in possession of more 1 oz of flower cannabis and less than 2 lbs of marijuana and have no prior convictions for violent crimes. Possession or cultivation of more than 2 lbs of marijuana can result in felony charges, steep fines, and years of imprisonment.
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Proposition 207 also allows individuals to have their records expunged, provided the charges were for the possession of less than 2.5 oz of marijuana or less, or not more than 12.5 g of concentrate. Individuals may also have their records expunged if they were found to be in possession of six or fewer cannabis plants or marijuana paraphernalia. Petitions can be submitted starting July 12, 2021.
Arizona's medical marijuana program stipulates that allopathic (MD), osteopathic (DO), homeopathic (MD(H) or DO(H)), or naturopathic (NMD or ND) physicians can recommend it to patients, provided they hold a valid Arizona license and have a physician-patient relationship with the patient. Qualifying patients may purchase no more than 2.5 oz in any 2-week period. To grow marijuana at home, patients must live more than 25 miles away from the nearest dispensary and receive approval from the state. Those who can grow marijuana at home are only allowed to grow 12 plants at one time.
Medical marijuana may be recommended for the following conditions:
• Alzheimer’s disease
• ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS
Or to alleviate the following symptoms associated with a debilitating medical condition:
• Cachexia
• Seizures
• Severe and chronic pain
• Severe or persistent muscle spasms
Arizona does offer reciprocity to patients of participating in the medical programs of other states, provided these patients are not residents of Arizona, have been diagnosed with a condition recognized as eligible for Arizona’s medical marijuana program, and have their medical card or its equivalent with them. However, out-of-state patients are not allowed to purchase marijuana in an Arizona dispensary.
The Arizona medical marijuana program website can be found here: https://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/medical-marijuana/index.php.