INHALING ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES
(Possession and Use of a Vapor Releasing Toxic Substance)
Huffing is against the law. It is against the law to knowingly breathe, inhale, or drink a vapor-releasing toxic substance. Common things that fit this definition are glue, spray paint, gasoline, etc.
There are regulations regarding the sale of inhalants. Using or selling these substances is regarded as a class 5 felony or a class 1 misdemeanor depending on the seriousness of the offense (ARS 13-3403).
POSSESSION AND USE OF MARIJUANA
Possession and use of marijuana is either a felony or a misdemeanor. Possession of marijuana that you intend to sell is a felony. Possession and use of marijuana can result in probation, attending classes on the harmful effects of drugs, and performing community service (ARS 13-3405). You may also lose your driving privileges.
An adjudication on a marijuana charge goes on your record and can follow you throughout your life. For example, a candidate for a U.S. Supreme Court appointment was disqualified after admitting he had used marijuana as a student.
SMOKING AND POSSESSING TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Any person who knowingly sells or gives tobacco products to minors is guilty of a petty offense. Any minor who has tobacco in his or her possession is guilty of an incorrigible act (ARS 13-3622).
Tobacco products are defined as cigars, cigarettes, or cigarette papers, and smoking or chewing tobacco (ARS 13-3622). So if you are under the age of 18 you should not have any of these items. If you do, you are guilty of an incorrigible act.
In addition to this, smoking tobacco in locations such as elevators, busses, libraries, museums, and health care institutions is considered a public nuisance and dangerous to public health. An adult guilty of such acts would be charged with a petty offense, while a minor would be charged with a delinquent act (ARS 36-601.01).
What about at school?
Using or possessing tobacco products on school grounds (buildings, parking lots, fields, and vehicles) or at off campus school sponsored events is a petty offense for adults and a delinquent act for minors (ARS 36-798.03). The law does not apply to adults using tobacco products as a part of a tobacco prevention or cessation program (ARS 36-798.03).
POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL
It is against the law for a person under the legal drinking age (which is 21) to buy, receive, have in possession, or consume alcohol (ARS 4-244).
If you have or use alcohol when you are under the age of 21, you may be put on probation, have your driving privileges suspended, or pay fines or damages.
Here is a peer video on Underage Drinking.
POSSESSION AND USE OF METHAMPHETAMINE
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that is manufactured in illegal labs under dangerous conditions. The manufacture of methamphetamine has a severe impact on the environment. The production of one pound of methamphetamine releases poisonous gas into the atmosphere and creates 5 to 7 pounds of toxic waste. Many laboratory operators dump the toxic waste down household drains, in fields and yards, or on rural roads causing dangerous conditions for anyone coming in contact with the waste. Effects of usage include addiction, psychotic behavior, brain damage, extensive tooth decay ("meth mouth"), open sores on the body, and an overall decrease in the quality of life.
Methamphetamine Laws
Arizona law classifies methamphetamine as a dangerous drug (A.R.S. §13-3401) and makes it a crime to knowingly use, possess, buy, sell, transport, or manufacture. It is also a crime to possess the equipment or chemicals to manufacture Methamphetamine (A.R.S. §13-3407). The criminal penalties for violation of the laws are harsh and include significant prison time and fines (A.R.S. §13-712).
Resources
Read a story about one teenager’s use of methamphetamine and what she learned in the LawForKids.org Stories Section.
Read a special series from the Arizona Republic about how methamphetamine use has affected local residents.
To learn more about substance abuse and ways to get help, The Arizona Parents Commission on Drug Education and Prevention is a website to increase education about the serious risks and public health problems caused by abuse of alcohol and controlled substances.
For a better understanding about methamphetamine, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides a scientific description of this highly addictive substance as well as its effects. NIDA also has a website for teens that presents science-based information about the effects of drugs on the brain and body so that teens will be equipped with better information to make healthy decisions.
The United States Drug Enforcement Agency gives information about methamphetamine, the facts about its use nationwide, national news about methamphetamine and resources for getting help with a methamphetamine addiction.
The American Dental Association describes the dental effects of methamphetamine use.
ARIZONA BANS SALE, POSSESSION AND USE OF "SPICE"
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed HB 2167 into law, making it illegal to sell, possess or use synthetic marijuana, otherwise known as "K2" or "Spice." (A.R.S. §13-3401) and (A.R.S. § 36-2512) were changed based upon this approved bill.
INCORRIGIBLE
Incorrigibility means the breaking of rules or laws that usually don’t apply to adults, behaving in a manner that that could endanger self or others, and refusing to obey the reasonable orders or directions of parents and guardians. Incorrigible actions include missing school, running away, and using tobacco and alcohol (ARS 8-201). There are several possible outcomes for incorrigibility. These include being put on probation, having driving privileges suspended, paying fines for damages (sometimes called restitution) (ARS 8-323).
Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.
