Arizona is the sixth largest state in terms of area in the United States. It is known to have one of the most extensive stands of evergreen ponderosa pine trees. The state is also home to famous landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and Montezuma Castle.
Arizona is part of the roster of 33 states in the United States that legalized medical marijuana. This movement took effect in 2010 with the passing of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, a legislation that finally legalized the use of medical marijuana in the state.
With marijuana being a controlled substance, there are several things to know about the laws imposed in Arizona to regulate its use. If you are currently living in Arizona, it may be useful to get to know how Arizona’s rules come into play when it comes to acquiring and using medical marijuana. Below is some of the vital information to help you get a better idea of it.
About Medical Marijuana in Arizona
In 2010, Arizona medical marijuana was legalized, but a proposition in 2016 to legalize recreational use of the drug for people 21 years old and above was not. Since medical marijuana is legalized in Arizona, citizens have been given a chance to apply for a card that will entitle them to the substance for medicinal purposes.
As a way to regulate its use and transmission, however, the state still imposes some restrictions. For instance, patients that qualify for medical marijuana can buy no more than 2.5 ounces of the substance within 14 days. The state also provided licenses to dispensaries that are allowed to sell marijuana to people.
Arizona requires qualified patients to apply for a medical marijuana card to permit them to purchase and use the drug. Patients who own medical cards from different states will still have to register for one in Arizona to be able to buy medical marijuana from dispensaries in the state.
Though Arizona may have legalized medical marijuana, the state stipulated a statute to the existing Medical Marijuana Act to ban the substance on college campuses. This provision made Arizona the only state in the United States to legalize medical marijuana while making it illegal for college campuses. The state also prohibited bringing and using medical marijuana in school buses, preschools, primary schools or high schools, and corrective facilities.
In 2018, the Arizona Supreme Court had once again revised this law. With the change effected, marijuana cardholders who bring marijuana to college campuses will no longer be charged with a state crime.
Nonetheless, Arizona universities and colleges will continue to prohibit transporting and using the substance on the campus. With the revision, however, colleges can no longer charge students who are caught with criminal offenses but can instead administer disciplinary action.
Conditions that Qualify for Medical Marijuana
Despite its legalization, Arizona medical marijuana is still heavily regulated and controlled, with state laws imposing limits. As a result, only qualified patients can use, purchase, and have medical marijuana.
The state likewise provides a list of conditions required for a person to be entitled to a medical marijuana card, which includes cancer, glaucoma, HIV, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Among these conditions, severe and chronic pain is said to be the primary one suffered by most patients.
Similarly, anyone in possession of medical marijuana must have a medical license as recreational use of the drug is still prohibited. For patients, they have to have their card with them if they have the substance to avoid getting charged. Additionally, qualified patients are allowed to grow a maximum of 12 marijuana plants in a locked facility.
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