The state of Arizona legalized medical cannabis in 2010 with the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. As of November 3rd, 2020 Prop 207 passed legalizing cannabis for adult-use in Arizona along with 5 other states. However, only qualified patients will be able to purchase at a dispensary until adult-use sales begin in 2021. With the passing of Prop 207, Smart and Safe Act, this now changes who can legally obtain a marijuana grow license.
What is a Marijuana Grow License?
With laws now changing in Arizona, marijuana grow licenses will be accessible for commercial and medicinal use. It’s important to stay up to date on cannabis laws in Arizona as they will be evolving over the next few months to stay up to date with Prop 207. If you do have any questions regarding medical and adult-use cannabis and growing in Arizona it is best to contact the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).
Medical Growing
A registered patient over the age of 21 may grow cannabis or designate a caregiver over the age of 21 to grow cannabis strictly for medical use. Designated caregivers must be approved by the state through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). To receive a marijuana grow license the patient or caregiver must live at least 25 miles from a licensed dispensary. However, if either the caregiver or patient is renting a landlord cannot penalize for having a medical card. With permissions to cultivate from the state 12 plants can be grown, but the patient and caregiver combined cannot exceed the state limit of possessing more than 2.5 ounces.
Recreational Growing
Adult-use cannabis now legal in Arizona will allow people 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis and grow 6 plants at home. Sales for cannabis and cannabis seeds for those without a medical card will begin in March at the earliest. However, growing cannabis at home must be approved by the landlord if you are a renter and kept out of view of the public eye in an enclosed room with a lock.
Zoning In On The Conclusion
Over the years Arizona has been moving to be an adult-use state, and now that the Smart and Safe Act has passed people who look to use must have an understanding of the laws. Staying up to date on what the ADHS has to say for your safety is necessary. Many great things will come with the state being adult-use approved with economic benefits and decriminalization. Beginning on January 19th, 2021 business permit applications will open and they will close on March 9th, 2021. Obtaining a marijuana grow license through the state is necessary for medical patients and caregivers, but not required for adult-use under plant limitations.