Arizona’s journey with marijuana legislation has been marked by significant developments, particularly with the introduction of Proposition 207, known as the Smart and Safe Arizona Act. This act, enshrined in the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 36, Chapter 28.2, represents a pivotal change, allowing adults over the age of 21 to possess, purchase, transport, or process up to one ounce of marijuana or 5 grams or less of marijuana concentrate.
The history of marijuana legislation in Arizona dates back to December 2010 when voters passed the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA), A.R.S. 36-2801 et seq. This made Arizona the fourteenth state to adopt a medical marijuana law, which went into effect on April 14, 2011. The AMMA designates the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) as the responsible authority for the program.
In contrast, the Arizona Marijuana Legalization Initiative, also known as Proposition 205, failed in 2016 with 48.7% of the vote. This initiative sought to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, allowing adults to possess up to an ounce and cultivate up to six plants.
Regarding taxation, adult use (recreational) marijuana is subject to a transaction privilege tax (TPT) rate and an excise tax of 16% on retail sales. This system is outlined in the Marijuana Tax Collection documentation by the Arizona Department of Revenue.
The federal status of marijuana continues to present a policy gap with state laws. The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 [P.L. 117-328] includes provisions related to medical marijuana, restricting the Department of Justice from taking legal action against states to prevent them from promulgating or enforcing medical marijuana laws.
Proposition 207 represents a significant shift in Arizona’s approach to marijuana. Its fiscal analysis and the role of the ADHS in overseeing the medical marijuana program are crucial aspects of understanding the state’s regulatory landscape. For more information, the AZ Medical Marijuana Rules provide detailed guidance on the subject.
The timeline and evolution of these laws, along with the fiscal impacts and regulatory frameworks, remain areas of active interest and development within the state.