In accordance with the federal law, Arizona marijuana laws impose criminal charges for the possession, sale, or use of marijuana. These laws very depending upon the amount and severity of the charge. Penalties could included a jail or prison term and/or fine. Arizona has not yet passed any form of legislation that would allow or decriminalize the use or possession of marijuana. http://www.legaljoint.net/state_by_state/Arizona.asp?p=Arizona&state=6&mmj=2

In 1996 and also in 1998, medical marijuana legislation was unsuccessful. Passing legislation failed due to the way it was worded within the bill. The proposed law stated that it would be authorizing doctors to "prescribe" marijuana, which is conflicting with the federal law and the Controlled Substances Act. While this legislation was favorable, the federal laws state that physicians are prohibited from prescribing Schedule I drugs. Other states that have passed medical marijuana laws used the term "recommend" when referring to the physicians part of the use of medical marijuana. Patients in the 14 states that have passed successful legislation can use the recommendation of their physician to acquire the necessary registrations for their state. http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/viewresource.asp?resourceID=000881#Arizona

The Arizona Medical Marijuana Policy Project has already raised 192,000 signatures for the November 2010 ballot initiative which will again place the topic of medical marijuana in the hands of the voters. If this initiative reaches the voting platform, it's passing will allow for the use of marijuana by ailing patients with their doctor's approval.http://www.collegenews.com/index.php?/article/medical_marijuana_may_be_on_november_2010_ballot_12072009111178532/

Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, although it is legalized for medical use in fourteen states. The content in this page is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Please do not think that just because it is legal in your state that you can freely smoke. You must have a medical card that allows you to smoke Marijuana.

In Arizona, the law holds allowances for persons convicted of their first or second offence. If convicted of possession or use, they are made eligible for probation. In this case, they will be remanded to treatment, and their sentence will be suspended until treatment has been completed. However, a third offence carries no treatment or probation option. Also convictions for cultivation or possession for sale or delivery do not hold an eligibility for probation.http://norml.org/index.cfm?group_id=4523

An additional 1 year sentence and $2000 in fines will be added if the crime was committed within 300 ft of a school, close proximity to a school bus or other student transportation, and on public property within 1000 ft of a school.

Violations of Arizona's drug laws can range from fines of $750 to $150,000 and jail or prison sentences from 6 months to 10 years. Possession of under 4 pounds is considered a misdemeanor, and more than 4 pounds a felony. Possession for sale or delivery are all considered felony convictions. Cultivation or the growing of marijuana, carries a felony conviction for over 2 pounds.