Recreational and Medical Cannabis
The marijuana plant is a genetic make ups of compounds that affects how the plant grows and interacts with human senses. Learn about how the result of these cannabis compounds determine the medicinal benefits
Medical Patients
In November 2010, Arizona voters passed the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA) making it possible for patients to legally obtain marijuana for medicinal purposes. In the State of Arizona, an AZ MMJ card, provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services, is required in order to purchase marijuana as a medical patient. The process of acquiring a card can vary in price depending on your particular prescribing doctor, but will include a fee of $75-150 for your initial registration, as well as for each renewal. Once obtained, your MMJ card is valid for two years, after which point renewal will be available.
As a medical patient, you are allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces (70.83 grams) of marijuana every two weeks. This can include no more than 12.5 grams of cannabis concentrate, which is also the legal limit for a person to possess at any one time.
Recreational Customers
In November 2020, Prop 207 passed, allowing for recreational use of marijuana in the State of Arizona. As of April 5, 2021, adults 21 and older are able to legally purchase marijuana from any licensed dispensary operating in the state. However, there are limitations to consuming marijuana recreationally, which are not present for patients of medical marijuana.
The main difference in shopping recreationally as opposed to being a medical patient pertains to the amount of cannabis each are able to purchase. Whereas medical patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces in a two-week timeframe, recreational patients are limited to 1 ounce.
Additionally, recreational patients are taxed at a higher rate than medical patients. In particular, rec patients are on the hook for a 16% state excise tax, in addition to the 5.6% sales tax to which medical patients are also beholden
When it comes to edibles, it’s worth further noting that recreational consumers are limited to 10mg of THC per piece, and a total of 100mg per package, while medical patients can purchase edibles in dosages up to 1,000mg.
