02 Oct But Isn’t It Legal? When Marijuana Possession Is a Crime in Arizona
Arizona voted to make recreational marijuana legal back in November of 2020. But before any dispensaries opened, the state passed laws about how much of the drug someone is allowed to have at one time, and where they’re allowed to use it.
For instance, smoking in a public park or having more than an ounce stashed in your car is illegal. And if you have more than two pounds of marijuana in your possession or you bring it into a drug-free school zone, you could get arrested.
The legal maximum for personal use is one ounce.
In small quantities, recreational marijuana is legal for adults over the age of 21. However, having more than an ounce in your possession is a crime. In fact, more than 2.5 ounces can mean a felony offense!
More than an ounce but less than 2.5 ounces: This is a petty offense in Arizona, with a typical fine of $300.
2.5 ounces to 2 pounds: This is a class 6 felony, and can mean 6 months in prison.
2 to 4 pounds: This is a class 4 felony for intent to distribute OR a class 3 felony if actively distributing.
More than 4 pounds: This is a class 3 felony, with a minimum fine of $150,000, and mandatory prison minimums.
There are also limitations on how much marijuana you can grow for personal use. If you have a growing license, you’re allowed up to six plants. Any more than that could mean felony charges, either a class 4 or 5 depending on the number of plants.
Other Types of Marijuana Violations in Arizona
If you are under 21: While a first-time possession of an ounce or less is a fine of $100 and mandatory drug counseling. Subsequent offenses are a class 1 misdemeanor. However, having more than the recreational limit could mean felony charges.
If you consume marijuana in a public area: Consuming marijuana in any public place is a petty offense with fines of up to $500.
Possession, use, sale, or moving marijuana in a school zone: If you bring marijuana within 300 feet of a school or a school bus stop, the consequences are more severe. You could be facing an additional year of incarceration to any imposed sentence. There is also a minimum fine of $2,000.
Criminal Defense Experts in Chandler, Arizona
If you are facing criminal charges for marijuana possession, you need a lawyer who understands how the Arizona justice system works.
The team at Coolidge Law will work hard to secure the best outcome for your case, whether that means getting the charges dropped, negotiating a plea bargain to get them reduced, or defending you in court if you decide to go to trial.
We believe that every client and every case deserves our personal attention. Contact us today to request a consultation.
Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 9/27/26.
