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Arizona's Cannabis Laws: From Legalization to Social Equity Program

 
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Learn about cannabis laws in Arizona and the social equity program.

description: an anonymous image of a person holding a cannabis plant with green leaves, symbolizing the growth and legalization of cannabis in arizona.

Since medical cannabis was first legalized in Colorado in 1996, nearly half the country has legalized marijuana for recreational use. However, the legality of cannabis varies from state to state, including in Arizona. An Arizona appeals court has ruled that the state must have probable cause that a driver is impaired before suspending their driving privileges due to cannabis use.

The federal shift towards treating marijuana like codeine and ketamine doesn't change much for users in Arizona, where it is already legal. Despite this, Arizona legislators have introduced over a dozen bills this year aimed at amending marijuana laws, with only five remaining standing.

In a significant move, Arizona legalized recreational marijuana and established a social equity ownership program. However, critics argue that the state has failed to establish a fair system for ensuring equity in the cannabis industry.

While 21 states allow and levy some type of excise tax on recreational cannabis purchases, federal law still prohibits cannabis use. Arizona retailers without proper licensing are also prohibited from selling hemp-derived substances like delta-8 THC, according to the Arizona attorney general.

Ryan Hurley, a prominent figure in the legal of adult-use cannabis in Arizona, has been instrumental in shaping the state's cannabis laws. The Path to Equity: Arizona's Social Equity Program in Cannabis Legislation, led by Republican State Senator Sonny, aims to address issues of equity in the industry.

Labels:
arizonacannabis lawslegalizationsocial equity programmarijuanarecreational uselegislationryan hurleyexcise taxdelta-8 thcsonny
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