Phoenix Drug Offense Lawyers Explain Arizona Marijuana Offenses

As more and more states start to discuss marijuana legalization and medical marijuana, more people have been asking us about Arizona’s laws and how the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act has changed marijuana offenses in Arizona. For those with a valid medical marijuana card, state law allows possession and use of the drug to treat a debilitating medical condition. Such patients are subject to certain limitations under state law, though. However, for those individuals without a valid medical marijuana card, Arizona drug offense laws still apply and crimes are treated very seriously.

Under Arizona law, without a valid medical marijuana card or other appropriate documentation, it is illegal to:

• Possess or use marijuana;
• Possess marijuana for sale;
• Produce marijuana;
• Transport for sale, import into this state or offer to transport for sale or import into this state, sell, transfer or offer to sell or transfer marijuana.

If you are arrested for marijuana in Arizona, you could be charged with a:

• Class 6 felony for possession of less than two pounds;
• Class 5 felony for possession of at least two pounds but less than four pounds;
• Class 4 felony for possession of four pounds or more;
• Class 4 felony for less than two pounds for sale;
• Class 3 felony for at least two pounds but not more than four pounds for sale;
• Class 2 felony for more than four pounds for sale;
• Class 5 felony for production of less than two pounds;
• Class 4 felony for production of least two pounds but not more than four pounds;
• Class 3 felony for production of four pounds or more;
• Class 3 felony for transport/import of less than two pounds;
• Class 2 felony for transport/import of two pounds or more.

The laws are a little bit different if you are on probation or carry previous convictions. Additionally, sentencing can vary quite a bit if you are convicted of a marijuana crime, and it may come with certain mandatory sentencing rules. For more information about marijuana violations in Maricopa County, contact the Phoenix criminal defense lawyers with Curry, Pearson & Wooten today at 1-888-929-5292. We are experienced Arizona drug offense attorneys, and we offer a FREE legal consultation to answer your questions and explain your rights. Don’t forget to also take a look at our FREE book: Arizona Criminal Law – What You Must Know.