Arizona Marijuana Laws (2026 Update)

In Arizona, it is completely legal to use cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes and was legalized on a state level in two separate instances; The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act was passed in 2010 and allowed for the medicinal use of cannabis, and the Arizona Marijuana Legalization Act, also known as Proposition 207, legalized the recreational use of cannabis in 2020.

The regulation of Medical Marijuana in Arizona is overseen by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), while the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) also regulates the licensing and compliance for the recreational use of marijuana. Official statutes are maintained by the Arizona Legislature, with licensing rules and enforcement policies available at https://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/medical-marijuana/.

Although marijuana is legal under Arizona state law, cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

For recreational use, adults 21 years and older may legally:

• Possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana
• Possess no more than 5 grams in the form of marijuana concentrate

For medical marijuana patients, individuals may:

• Purchase up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana every 14 days
• Possess amounts consistent with their authorized purchase limits

Possession beyond legal limits may result in criminal penalties depending on the quantity involved.

Arizona allows limited home cultivation under state law.

Adults 21 and older may:

• Grow up to 6 marijuana plants per person
• Maintain a maximum of 12 plants per household (if two or more adults reside in the home)

To grow marijuana plants legally in Arizona, they must be grown inside an enclosed and locked area, and cannot be seen from outside.

A medical marijuana patient may grow a marijuana plant under the same limitations as a normal user, as long as they are more than 25 miles from a licensed marijuana dispensary, or otherwise meet the state’s requirements under the Arizona Department of Health Services’ (ADHS) regulations.

Furthermore, only Marijuana dispensaries can sell marijuana in Arizona as a retail product. The dispensary retail sales are regulated through the Arizona Department of Health Services. Re-selling, distributing, or trafficking of marijuana without a valid state license is illegal in Arizona and carries criminal penalties.

Although marijuana is legal within regulated limits, violations of Arizona marijuana laws can result in criminal charges. Penalties depend on quantity, intent, and prior offenses.

Offense	Classification	Possible Penalty
Possession of over 1 ounce but under 2.5 ounces	Civil penalty (first offense)	Fine up to $300
Possession of over 2.5 ounces	Class 6 felony	Up to 2 years imprisonment
Possession of marijuana concentrate over the legal limit	Felony offense	Criminal penalties based on weight
Possession by a person under 21	Civil or criminal violation	Fines and possible mandatory programs
Unlicensed sale of marijuana	Felony	Prison sentence and fines
Sale to a minor	Felony	Enhanced criminal penalties
Cultivation exceeding plant limits	Misdemeanor or felony	Criminal penalties depend on the number of plants
Driving under the influence of marijuana	DUI offense	Fines, license suspension, jail time

Arizona sentencing guidelines are defined under state criminal statutes. Penalty severity increases based on prior convictions and the quantity involved.

In Arizona, only physicians licensed to practice in the state can certify patients to use medical marijuana. To certify a patient, the physician must complete an appropriate medical evaluation and determine if the patient meets all requirements of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is responsible for issuing the certificates and maintaining the registry for approved medical marijuana users. The certificate must have been approved by ADHS before being issued to the patient for use while obtaining their medical marijuana card.

It is illegal to consume marijuana in public places (excluding transportation mode) in Arizona; all marijuana use should comply with the applicable rules of private property where it occurs.

Marijuana may be transported within the state of Arizona and by the vehicle to the extent permitted by applicable Arizona law; however, it remains illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana (DUI) and as such will be prosecuted under Arizona DUI law.

Transporting marijuana outside of the state of Arizona (including transporting marijuana from one state to another) is unlawful per federal law, no matter how many states have legalised marijuana.