Is Weed Legal in Arizona
Yes, marijuana is legal in Arizona for adults 21 and older. An adult may carry up to 1 ounce, buy it at a licensed store, and grow a few plants at home. Voters approved the change with Proposition 207 in 2020, by 60.03% to 39.97% (A.R.S. 36-2852; Ballotpedia).
Key facts
- Adults may possess up to 1 ounce, with no more than 5 grams as concentrate.
- Each adult may grow 6 plants at home, and no home may have more than 12.
- Carrying more than 2.5 ounces is a felony (A.R.S. 13-3405).
- Adult-use sales carry a 16% state excise tax that medical patients do not pay (A.R.S. 42-5452).
24 states have legalized marijuana for adults. Among Arizona’s neighbors, California, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico have too, and Utah allows it only for medical use. Our marijuana laws by state page shows the rule in every state.
How Much Marijuana You Can Have in Arizona
The limit is 1 ounce of marijuana, and no more than 5 grams of it may be concentrate such as wax or oil. A store may sell no more than that amount to one customer at a time (A.R.S. 36-2858). Past the limit, the penalty climbs with the amount.
Arizona marijuana possession rules for adults 21 and older
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes, read October 3, 2026
People under 21 cannot possess marijuana legally. A first violation with an ounce or less brings a civil penalty of up to $100, and the court may order drug education (A.R.S. 36-2853(B)).
Growing Marijuana at Home in Arizona
Each adult may grow up to 6 plants at their primary home, and a home with two or more adults may have up to 12. The plants must be in a closet, room, greenhouse or other enclosed area with a lock, out of public view (A.R.S. 36-2852(A)(2)).
- 1 oz
- the most an adult may carry
- 6
- plants an adult may grow at home
- 16%
- state excise tax on adult-use sales
What Is Still Illegal in Arizona
Legal does not mean anywhere, anytime. Arizona’s law does not allow smoking marijuana in a public place or open space. It also bars using it while driving or riding in a moving car, boat or plane (A.R.S. 36-2851). Employers may still keep a drug-free workplace, and private property owners may ban it on their property.
Federal law still treats marijuana as illegal, so Arizona’s law does not protect anyone on federal land, such as a national park or forest. Our marijuana laws by state page explains the federal status.
Clearing an Arizona Marijuana Record
Since July 12, 2021, Arizonans with certain past marijuana records can ask a court to clear them. The law covers arrests, charges and convictions for possessing 2.5 ounces or less, growing six plants or fewer at home, or paraphernalia. The person files a petition, and the prosecutor has 30 days to respond (A.R.S. 36-2862).
Arizona Marijuana Rules by Situation
Open the situation closest to yours. This is general information, not legal advice.
Arizona marijuana rules, by situation
I am driving to Utah
- Do not take marijuana across the state line.
- Utah allows it only for medical patients, and federal law still bans marijuana.
Arizona's law ends at the border.
I have an old marijuana conviction
- Check whether it was for 2.5 ounces or less, six plants or fewer, or paraphernalia.
- File an expungement petition with the court that handled the case.
- Ask a legal aid group for help if you cannot afford a lawyer.
A cleared record can matter for jobs, housing and loans.
I want a medical card
- Ask your doctor whether your condition qualifies.
- Apply through the Department of Health Services' medical marijuana program.
Medical patients do not pay the 16% adult-use excise tax.
Where Things Stand
Arizona marijuana laws
As of October 3, 2026
- Adult-use marijuana (Proposition 207, 2020) Law, Legal at 21 and older, up to 1 ounce
Approved with 60.03% of the vote. Adults may grow up to 6 plants at home, 12 per household. (source)
- Possession over the limit Law, Petty offense up to 2.5 ounces
More than 2.5 ounces, under two pounds, is a class 6 felony. (source)
- Expungement of past marijuana records Law, Petitions open since July 12, 2021
Covers past possession of 2.5 ounces or less, growing up to six plants at home, and paraphernalia. (source)
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes; Ballotpedia
Arizona Marijuana Questions
Is weed legal in Arizona?
Yes, for adults 21 and older. Voters approved Proposition 207 in 2020, so an adult may carry up to 1 ounce, with no more than 5 grams as concentrate, and grow up to 6 plants at home.
What happens if you have more than an ounce of weed in Arizona?
More than 1 ounce, up to 2.5 ounces, is a petty offense punished by a fine. More than 2.5 ounces, but under two pounds and not for sale, is a class 6 felony.
Can you smoke weed in public in Arizona?
No. Arizona’s law does not allow smoking marijuana in a public place or open space, or using it while driving or riding in a moving vehicle.
Can you clear an old marijuana conviction in Arizona?
Yes. Since July 12, 2021, a person can petition a court to expunge a past arrest, charge or conviction for possessing 2.5 ounces or less, growing six plants or fewer at home, or paraphernalia.
What You Can Do
- Keep what you carry under 1 ounce, and keep it out of sight in public and out of reach while driving.
- Clear an old record. If you have a qualifying past arrest or conviction, file a petition under A.R.S. 36-2862.
- Check the licensing rules with the Department of Health Services’ Bureau of Marijuana Licensing.
- Know the candidates before November 3. See our Arizona governor race guide.
- Compare other states on our marijuana laws by state page.