by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Criminal Defense, Drug PossessionJune 22, 20210 comments

Is Marijuana Still a Felony in Arizona?

Marijuana possession is one of the most common drug charges seen around the country. In 2019 alone, over half a million people were arrested for possession of marijuana. Drug charges are serious offenses that can result in penalties like probation, hefty fines, and even prison time.

Over the past several years, the laws surrounding marijuana have been changing at a rapid pace in the United States. Historically, it was widely known that the possession and use of marijuana were illegal no matter which state you were in. As marijuana laws can now differ immensely depending on the state, it’s important to do your research.

Marijuana Possession Laws in Arizona

When Section 13-3405 of the Arizona statutes was put into effect, it stated that no individual could knowingly use or possess the drug. This was the case for anybody, with the exception of those who were legally prescribed marijuana for medical conditions, as per the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act.

However, as of November 2020, the Smart and Safe Arizona Act (Proposition 207) was passed and legalized the possession and use of recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older in the amount of no more than one ounce. This was a huge step for Arizona, as the state has been working towards the legalization of marijuana for years.

It’s important to note that, while the possession and use of marijuana in small amounts is now legal in Arizona, it is still illegal for both drivers and passengers to consume marijuana in any type of vehicle.

Punishment for Marijuana Possession in Arizona

While the Smart and Safe Arizona Act allows for the possession and use of marijuana by adults, there are stipulations that must be strictly adhered to avoid facing penalties. Under the new legislation, the following actions are still illegal and can result in serious criminal charges:

• Operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana
• Possessing or using marijuana under the age of 21
• Smoking recreational marijuana in a public place
• Selling marijuana, unless you are a licensed vendor

While the marijuana laws have undergone major changes, it’s still possible to face serious punishment for marijuana possession in Arizona. By becoming more knowledgeable on the laws in your state, you can work to avoid facing drug possession charges and having to deal with a stressful legal process.

Top Arizona Drug Defense Attorneys

Our award-winning team at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed has ample experience defending clients in drug cases. Our aggressive-compassionate approach has a proven track record of providing our clients with the best possible outcomes. The key difference between our practice and many other Phoenix law firms is that we truly care about the wellbeing of each individual client we work with.

Criminal drug convictions can permanently alter your life. The sooner you contact a licensed attorney, the better able you will be to protect yourself. If you or a loved one are facing drug possession charges in Arizona, contact us today for a free consultation with one of the top drug defense attorneys in Phoenix.