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

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

AmountWhat it means
Up to 1 ounce, max 5 g concentrateLegal for adults 21 and older
Over 1 oz up to 2.5 oz, max 12.5 g concentratePetty offense
More than thatCan 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.

Edible limitsAn Arizona edible can hold at most 10 mg of THC per serving and 100 mg per package.

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.