Laws
Arizona cannabis laws, explained.
The 1 ounce limit, the 5 gram concentrate cap, home grow, cars, public use and travel. Checked against Arizona law.
Updated October 2026
Legal or not? Test yourself
Twelve real situations. Pick an answer and see why.
Scenario 1
You are 21, you have your passport, and you buy at a licensed shop.
Scenario 2
You are visiting from Texas and carry 1 ounce of flower.
Scenario 3
You carry 1 ounce of flower plus 8 grams of concentrate.
Scenario 4
Your friend drives while you smoke a joint in the passenger seat.
Scenario 5
You smoke on a hiking trail at a city park.
Scenario 6
You grow 6 plants in a locked backyard greenhouse nobody can see.
Scenario 7
You and your roommate grow 16 plants at your shared house.
Scenario 8
You grow plants on a balcony the whole street can see.
Scenario 9
You give a friend over 21 a gram, no money involved.
Scenario 10
You sell a friend an eighth from your stash.
Scenario 11
You smoke in your hotel room because cannabis is legal here.
Scenario 12
You bring leftover edibles on your flight home.
Who can buy
Adults 21 and older can buy adult-use cannabis at licensed dispensaries with a valid government-issued photo ID. Medical marijuana card holders buy under the medical program, and medical sales skip the 16% excise tax.
Possession limits
| Amount | What it means |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 ounce, max 5 g concentrate | Legal for adults 21 and older |
| Over 1 oz up to 2.5 oz, max 12.5 g concentrate | Petty offense |
| More than that | Can be a felony |
Arizona uses one limit for everyone 21 and older. It does not matter whether you live here. The weight of an edible's other ingredients does not count toward your limit, only the marijuana in it.
Where you can use it
Use is for private property where the owner allows it. Smoking marijuana in public places and open spaces is unlawful. That covers parks, trails, sidewalks and patios open to the public.
Any person, business or organization that owns or controls a property can ban cannabis there. That includes hotels, landlords, employers and schools. Employers can keep drug-free workplaces.
Cars and driving
You cannot use cannabis while driving, or while riding in the passenger seat or compartment of a moving car, boat, plane or other vehicle. Driving impaired is a DUI. Arizona law says the smell of marijuana alone is not reasonable suspicion of a crime, except in DUI cases.
Growing at home
Adults 21 and older can grow up to 6 plants for personal use at their primary residence. A home with two or more adults can grow up to 12 plants in total. Plants must be in an enclosed area with a lock or other security that keeps minors out, and not visible from public view.
Sharing with friends
An adult can give up to 1 ounce, with no more than 5 grams of concentrate, or up to 6 plants to another adult 21 or older, as long as there is no payment and no public advertising. Selling without a license is illegal.
Leaving Arizona
Cannabis is still illegal under federal law. Do not take it across state lines or onto a plane, even to another state where it is legal. Federal land, like national parks, follows federal law too.
Laws FAQ
What is the legal age to buy cannabis in Arizona?
21 and older for adult-use cannabis. Medical card holders follow the medical program rules.
How much cannabis can I possess in Arizona?
Up to 1 ounce, with no more than 5 grams of concentrate. The same limit applies to residents and visitors.
What happens if I have more than 1 ounce?
Over 1 ounce up to 2.5 ounces, with no more than 12.5 grams of concentrate, is a petty offense. More than that can be a felony.
Can I smoke cannabis in public in Arizona?
No. Smoking marijuana in public places and open spaces is unlawful.
Can I use cannabis in a car in Arizona?
No. You cannot use cannabis while driving or riding as a passenger in a moving vehicle, and driving impaired is a DUI.
Can I grow cannabis at home in Arizona?
Yes. Adults 21 and older can grow up to 6 plants at their primary residence, up to 12 per home, in a locked area out of public view.
Can the smell of cannabis justify a police search?
Under Arizona law, the odor of marijuana alone is not reasonable suspicion of a crime, except in DUI cases.
Keep going
Related guides
Your first dispensary visit
What to bring, what happens at the door, how the menu works and how to pay.
Visiting Phoenix
Hotels, rental cars, hiking trails, airports and shops near the sights.
Tax calculator
16% excise plus city sales tax. See what you really pay in Phoenix, Tempe or Scottsdale.