How to Buy Recreational & Medicinal Weed in Arizona
Buying marijuana in Arizona is easy if you're 21 or have a medical marijuana card. Knowing how to buy weed in Arizona legally, where you can possess and consume cannabis, and the differences between medical and recreational marijuana sales will ensure you stay in compliance with the rules while enjoying high-quality bud.
How to Buy Recreational Marijuana in AZ
Is marijuana legal in Arizona? Yes. Adults aged 21 and above can purchase marijuana at recreational dispensaries. All you need is a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, driver's license, or state-issued identification card to prove that you're of legal age.
When you head to a recreational marijuana dispensary, make sure you take cash or a debit card if the dispensary has an ATM. Dispensaries don't accept credit cards, but most have an ATM onsite where you can withdraw cash.
How Much Marijuana Can Recreational Customers Buy in AZ?
According to the Smart and Safe Arizona Act, recreational cannabis customers can purchase and possess up to one ounce of marijuana, including up to five grams of concentrates (wax, dab, sugar, tinctures, vape carts, etc.).
Arizona residents as well as visitors are allowed to shop in the state’s dispensaries. You just have to be at least 21 years of age.
How Much Medical Marijuana Can Patients Buy in AZ?
Under Arizona's Medical Marijuana Act, patients with certain debilitating conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card. Once the card is approved (usually within five business days), medical patients can:
Buy up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks
Shop at medical marijuana dispensaries
Purchase cannabis with higher concentrations of THC
Enjoy the higher AZ medical marijuana concentrate limit
Skip the 16% excise tax
Receive medical cannabis at home with delivery services
Enjoy certain employment and housing protections
Out-of-State MMJ Patients
Out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders with an Arizona qualifying condition can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis. However, they can't shop at medical marijuana dispensaries, purchase more than one ounce of marijuana, or forgo the 16% excise tax. If you’ll be staying in Arizona long-term or even living there part-time, it’s best to apply for a medical marijuana card.
How to Get an Arizona Medical Marijuana Card
As long as you have an Arizona address and a qualifying condition, you can get an MMJ card.
First, obtain a physician's recommendation for cannabis with an MMJ telemedicine appointment or in-person appointment.
Then, apply online through the Arizona Department of Health Services portal and pay the $150 fee ($75 for SNAP recipients) or ask the physician to apply on your behalf.
If you suffer from chronic pain and don’t have documentary proof of your condition, you can go for an in-person consultation and be evaluated there.
Where You Can Consume Marijuana
After buying cannabis at an Arizona dispensary—either as a medical patient or recreational customer—you can take your purchase back to your residence, a friend's house, or a 420-friendly accommodation and consume or smoke marijuana.
According to Arizona law, you can't consume marijuana in public places, anywhere that smoking tobacco is not allowed, or on federal land (parks, forests, and monuments). You also can't consume cannabis while flying, driving, or boating, but it's ok to have the sealed packet in the car.
Home-Grown Marijuana in AZ
Adults aged 21 and above can have six cannabis plants at home, with a maximum of 12 plants per household with two or more eligible adults. Medical cannabis patients who live at least 25 miles from the nearest dispensary can grow up to 12 cannabis plants at home or have their registered caregiver grow the plants for them.
If you're visiting Arizona and are of legal age, another adult can give you up to one ounce of home-grown cannabis as long as there is no compensation and the cannabis isn't advertised or promoted to the public. You can also make concentrates from home-grown cannabis as long as you extract the resin using mechanical means (pressing or ice water) and don’t use solvents.
Enjoy Responsibly
Since recreational cannabis legalization went ahead in AZ in 2020, it's easy for adults to buy marijuana in Arizona. Just make sure you take cash and consume cannabis in the right place. If it's your first time, go slow, wait for the effects before you have any more, and drink plenty of water. And if you have a qualifying condition, apply for an MMJ card for more affordable and potent marijuana.
