Arizona Marijuana Laws

Phoenix Lawyer Defending Marijuana Offenses in AZ

Arizona is a major "gateway" state for marijuana moving into the USA from Mexico. There are a variety of means of transportation bringing the substance into the state including trucks, cars, and planes and by shipping and mail. The drug is also cultivated in the state in houses or other facilities that are set up with special hydroponic growing systems.

This is one of the most commonly used drugs in the state, and even grade school students have been found to be users. Arizona lawmakers, with the vote of the people, have passed Proposition 200 which treats marijuana and other drug possession charges differently if you are found to have a small amount of the substance in your possession. This proposition makes it impossible to incarcerate an individual for a first or second possession offense.

However, it doesn't mean you walk away easily; you are facing many hours of treatment and community service, as well as random drug testing. It is vital that you get legal representation in any such charge, even possession of a small quantity from a Phoenix marijuana defense lawyer.

What Type of Drug Is Marijuana?

According to both the U.S. and Arizona Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is a Schedule I drug. There are five possible schedules that both prescription and illegal narcotics can be classified under. Schedule V drugs are those that have the least potential for abuse while Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse. Most states have heavier penalties for Schedule I drug crimes than lesser-schedule drug crimes.

Drugs can also be classified by their potential medical uses. Marijuana is a kind of drug that does have recognized medical uses, which is why it is legal in the state of Arizona to possess marijuana for personal use so long as the quantity is within state guidelines. Cannabis is also considered a psychoactive drug because it affects the central nervous system.

Marijuana is also often classified as a "gateway drug." This theory holds that the use of marijuana makes it easier for an individual to transition onto more severe and potentially damaging drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Another way to classify marijuana is by how it is prepared/cultivated.

Marijuana Penalties in Arizona

The penalties for marijuana offenses are based on the amount found. There is a "threshold" amount of the drug that makes a difference in the charges against you. For marijuana, the amount is 2 lbs. If you are found to possess more than 2 lbs of the substance, you will most likely be charged with a serious felony offense, related to the belief that the intent was to distribute the drug. The laws are also very severe if any minors are involved or there is proximity to a school involved. The penalties are greatly increased if it is determined that trafficking drugs to minors occurred.

Arizona Marijuana Laws

The Arizona statute states: "If the aggregate amount of marijuana involved in one offense or all of the offenses that are consolidated for trial is less than the statutory threshold amount, a person who is sentenced pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 4, 7 or 10 and who is granted probation by the court shall be ordered by the court that as a condition of probation the person perform not less than two hundred forty hours of community restitution with an agency or organization providing counseling, rehabilitation or treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, an agency or organization that provides medical treatment to persons who abuse controlled substances, an agency or organization that serves persons who are victims of crime or any other appropriate agency or organization."

Defense for Crimes Involving Marijuana

If you have been arrested and charged with marijuana possession, cultivation, distribution or transportation, it is crucial that you get legal representation from a skilled and proven drug offense defense lawyer from Knowles Law Firm, PLC. The legal team is very familiar with all types of drug cases, including federal charges, and is known for its proactive and aggressive approach. You can be assured that your best interests will be the priority and that every effort to defend your case will be sought.