Cannabis is a plant containing compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects, often described as a "high," which can include euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time, and increased appetite. However, cannabis use can also lead to unwanted effects such as anxiety, paranoia, impaired memory, and coordination issues. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and is often used for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing inflammation or anxiety. The effects of cannabis vary depending on the individual, dosage, method of use, and strain.
Cannabis Laws in Arizona
While marijuana is legal under Arizona state law, it remains illegal under federal law. Always check local regulations and consume responsibly.
Yes, recreational marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older under the Smart and Safe Arizona Act (Prop 207), which was passed in November 2020.
Adults 21+ may legally possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana, with no more than 5 grams in concentrated form (e.g., vape extracts, edibles).
Yes. Adults may grow up to 6 plants at their primary residence. If two or more adults (21+) live in the household, the maximum allowed is 12 plants.
Marijuana use is only allowed on private property with the owner's permission.
It is illegal to consume marijuana in public places, including:
Parks
Sidewalks
Restaurants
Bars
No. Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and can result in a DUI charge, even if you are legally allowed to use marijuana.
Yes, possessing more than 1 ounce but less than 2.5 ounces is a petty offense, which may result in a fine.
Yes. Arizona employers can enforce drug-free workplace policies and take action against employees who use marijuana, even outside of work.
No. All marijuana use is prohibited on college and university campuses, even if you are over 21.
Yes. Local governments can prohibit marijuana dispensaries and testing facilities within their jurisdictions, but they cannot ban personal possession or use.
Safe and Healthy Cannabis Use
Responsible cannabis use involves understanding potential health effects, choosing safer consumption methods, and being aware of personal and public safety. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
To minimize potential health risks associated with cannabis use:
Delay Use: Postpone cannabis use until at least the age of 21 to reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes.
Choose Low-Potency Products: Opt for cannabis products with lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content to decrease the likelihood of negative effects.
Avoid Synthetic Cannabinoids: Steer clear of synthetic cannabis products, as they may pose greater health risks.
Limit Frequency: Use cannabis occasionally rather than regularly to reduce the risk of dependence and other health issues. Avoid
Smoking: Choose alternative methods of consumption, such as edibles or vaporizers, to protect lung health.
To prevent overconsumption:
Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a low dose, especially with edibles. Edibles may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect. These effects from edibles may last longer than expected depending on the dose, last meal, and/or medications or alcohol used at the same time.
Be Mindful of Product Potency: Pay attention to THC content in products and choose those with lower concentrations.
If you experience discomfort:
Find a Safe Environment: Stay in a calm, familiar place.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water to stay hydrated.
Seek Support: Inform a trusted friend or family member about your situation.
Avoid Mixing Substances: Refrain from consuming alcohol or other substances.
Exposure Risks: Secondhand cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke, potentially leading to adverse health effects.
Drug Interactions: Cannabis can interact with various medications, particularly those metabolized by liver enzymes such as cytochrome P450. This can alter the effectiveness or side effects of certain drugs.
For more detailed information: Drug-Drug Interactions
Keep marijuana stored up and away, out of sight and reach in a locked location. Clearly label all products and keep them in their original packaging. Remember that child-resistant packaging does not mean it is childproof.
Put marijuana away every time. Never leave it out on a kitchen counter or at a bedside, even if you anticipate using it again in a few hours.
Talk to your children about marijuana, especially edibles. Teach children that they should never eat anything without asking permission first. Set an example by never using edibles or other marijuana products in front of your children.
Tell guests about marijuana safety. Ask house guests and visitors to keep purses, bags, or coats that have marijuana products in them up and away and out of sight and reach when they are in your home.
Be prepared in case of an emergency. Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you think your child might have consumed marijuana products.
Pregnancy Risks: Cannabis use during pregnancy may be linked to developmental problems in children, such as issues with attention, memory, and behavior.
Breastfeeding Concerns: THC can be passed to infants through breast milk, potentially affecting their development. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid cannabis use while breastfeeding.
For further information: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The amount of THC can vary in marijuana edibles. This makes it harder to control how much THC is consumed. The amount of THC in homemade marijuana edible can vary even more. Many users can be caught off-guard by the stronger potency and long-lasting effects of marijuana edibles
One standard dose for marijuana edibles is typically 10 mg. Some edibles have more than one dose of THC and may come with directions to only consume part of the product. Eating too much of an edible may produce unwanted health effects. The effects of marijuana use can vary from person to person, and each person may have a different tolerance level. Always read the dosing recommendations and know exactly how much THC is in the edible. Start slow with less than one serving and wait before using more.
As of February 2020, over 2,000 people have been hospitalized, or died, due to an e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). National and state data show vaping THC is linked to the most EVALI cases and played a major role in the outbreak.
Vitamin E acetate is strongly linked to the national outbreak EVALI cases and deaths. Vitamin E acetate is used as a additive or thickening agent in some THC vaping products. Research suggests that inhaling vitamin E acetate might impair people's lung function.
In one study of black market THC cartridges, which are unregulated and not purchased from a legal dispensary, all samples contained vitamin E acetate and tested positive for pesticides. Products purchased from legal dispensaries in California found no heavy metals, pesticides, or residual solvents like vitamin E acetate.
EVALI patients reported a gradual start of symptoms, including breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, and/or chest pain before hospitalization. Some cases reported mild to moderate gastrointestinal illness including vomiting and diarrhea, or other symptoms such as fevers or fatigue.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends that people not use THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly from informal sources like friend, family, or in-person or online dealers
Medicinal Marijuana in Arizona
The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act provides a legal framework for patients with qualifying conditions to access medical cannabis. Always adhere to state regulations and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.
Enacted in 2010, the AMMA allows qualifying patients with specific medical conditions to legally use and obtain medical marijuana in Arizona.
Qualifying Medical Conditions: Be diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
- Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn's disease or agitation of Alzheimer's disease or the treatment of these conditions.
- A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome.
- (ii) Severe and chronic pain.
- (iii) Severe nausea.
- (iv) Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy.
- (v) Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis.
- (c) Any other medical condition or its treatment added by the department pursuant to section 36-2801.01.
Please visit the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) website regarding the Application Process
Please visit the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) website regarding Renewal Information
The fees are listed in rules and include:
- $150 for an initial or a renewal registry identification card for a qualifying patient. Some qualifying patients may be eligible to pay $75 for initial and renewal cards if they currently participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
- $200 for an initial or a renewal registry identification card for a designated caregiver. A caregiver must apply for a new card for every patient under their care (up to five patients).
- $10 to amend, change, or replace a registry identification card.
Patients are allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams) of medical marijuana within a 14-day period. Dispensaries track purchases to monitor allotments.
Yes, you can transport medical marijuana within Arizona, provided it's in its original packaging and you're in compliance with possession limits.
Employment: Employers can enforce drug-free workplace policies and may take action against employees using medical marijuana, even outside of work hours.
Driving: Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and can result in DUI charges.
Reciprocity: Arizona recognizes medical marijuana cards from other states for qualifying patients visiting the state.
Calls to the Poison Control Center
The most common types of cannabis reported to the Poison Control Center for marijuana exposure are edibles, dried plant, concentrated THC, marijuana extracts/oils, and marijuana electronic cigarettes.
The top symptoms reported to Poison Control Center for marijuana exposure are reduced heart rate/breathing, agitation, nausea/vomiting, impaired balance/coordination, dizziness/vertigo, sweating, confusion, and pupil dilation.
The most common types of cannabis reported to the Poison Control Center for marijuana exposure are edibles, dried plant, concentrated THC, marijuana extracts/oils, and marijuana electronic cigarettes.
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse