You’ve probably heard all about marijuana legalization and decriminalization, a trend that seems to be sweeping the country. To date, Alaska, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan (soon to be enacted), Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have legalized recreational weed. If you notice, Arizona is NOT on the list. States like Arizona, Texas, and Florida are all states that have serious problems with drug trafficking, which arguably, is one of the reasons why the states have yet to pass flexible marijuana statutes. Arizona, along with 22 other states, has legalized medical marijuana, so many feel that’s a step in the right direction.
Arizona Has Tough Marijuana Laws
Arizona has some of the toughest marijuana laws in the nation, and this can’t be stressed enough. For example, if you’re caught with 1 ounce or less of marijuana is New Mexico, you commit a misdemeanor, which is punishable by 15 days in jail and a maximum $100 fine. Now, let’s compare Arizona to New Mexico: If you’re caught with less than an ounce of weed in Arizona, you commit a felony offense, punishable by four months to two years behind bars and by a fine not to exceed $150,000 – ouch. Let’s break down marijuana offenses in Arizona:
- If you possess less than two pounds, you commit a felony, punishable by up to two years in jail and by a maximum $150,000 fine.
- Possession of two pounds to less than four pounds is a felony, punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison, and by a maximum $150,000 fine.
- Selling less than two pounds is a felony, punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison and by a fine not to exceed $150,000.
- Selling two to four pounds is a felony, punishable by up to 8.75 years in prison and by a fine not to exceed $150,000.
- Cultivating less than two pounds is a felony, punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison and by a fine not to exceed $150,000.
- Trafficking marijuana is a felony, punishable by up to 8.75 years in prison and by a fine not to exceed $150,000.
As you can see, marijuana offenses are felonies in Arizona, even possessing less than one ounce. What this means is, if you’re facing marijuana charges, your whole life can be turned upside-down for something that might be just a slap on the wrist or completely legal in Colorado, California, or Nevada. To protect your future, contact our Phoenix drug lawyer immediately for help. Related: Can I Go to Drug Court for Marijuana?
