Arizona has established a comprehensive cannabis system that permits both adult recreational use and medical marijuana under state law. While weed is legal for adults 21 and over, there are specific rules around possession limits, home cultivation, public use, and purchasing from licensed dispensaries that residents and visitors should understand. To explore how Arizona’s cannabis laws compare with other states, cities, and countries worldwide, see our complete breakdown of marijuana regulations by location in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Arizona
Recreational Use
Recreational marijuana was legalized in Arizona through Proposition 207, also known as the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, passed in November 2020. Legally, adults 21 years of age and older may:
- Have no more than 5 grams of marijuana in your possession, but no more than 1 ounce (28 grams).in the form of concentrates (extracts).
- Grow up to six marijuana plants at their residence, with a limit of 12 plants per household.
- Purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
Consumption must occur in private, as using marijuana in public places or open spaces remains illegal. Driving under the influence of marijuana is also strictly prohibited and subject to DUI laws.
Medical Use
Under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA), medical marijuana became legal in Arizona in 2010. Qualifying patients with a state-issued medical marijuana card can:
- Every two weeks, possess up to 2.5 ounces of useable marijuana.
- Grow their own plants if they live more than 25 miles from a dispensary.
Medical marijuana patients can purchase products with higher THC potency, and they may receive preferential pricing and tax exemptions compared to recreational users.
Regulations and Limitations
- Marijuana sales are taxed, with a 16% excise tax on recreational purchases.
- Employers can enforce drug-free workplace policies.
- Federal properties in Arizona, such as national parks, still prohibit marijuana use, as it remains illegal under federal law.
