Q: What are Arizona's laws about drugs and narcotics?
A: When it comes to drugs and narcotics, it is illegal to:
- Use, possess, possess for sale, manufacture, transport, or sell narcotics or dangerous drugs (A.R.S. §13-3407 - A.R.S. §13-3408);
- Encourage, try to sell to, or force any minor to break any of the drug laws (A.R.S. §13-3409);
- Make or use a false or altered prescription (A.R.S. §13-3406);
- Use, possess, produce, process, possess for sale, manufacture, transport or sell marijuana for use or sale if under the age of 21 (A.R.S. §13-3405, A.R.S. 36-2852);
- Possess any instrument or means used to inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body any illegal drug (A.R.S. §13-3415);
- Use, sell, or possess any narcotic or dangerous drugs or marijuana in a school zone without exceptions allowed under the law (A.R.S. §13-3411);
- Drive on any highway or road while under the influence of drugs or with an illegal drug in their system (A.R.S. §28-1381); and
- Own a pipe or other device used unlawfully to smoke an illegal substance (A.R.S. §13-3415).
Q: What are the penalties for selling or giving prohibited substances to a minor?
A: The law says a person who sells, gives, or offers any prohibited substance to a minor is guilty of a class 2 felony. A person who employs or uses a minor to sell or transfer any prohibited substance may also be guilty of a class 2 felony. If convicted, the person will not be eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release on any basis until the sentence imposed by the court has been served (A.R.S. §13-3409). Manufacture of methamphetamine under circumstances that cause physical injury to a minor under 15 years of age is a dangerous crime against children, also with a hefty mandatory prison sentence (A.R.S. §13-3407.01).
Q: Is marijuana illegal in Arizona?
A: For those who are 21 or older, marijuana is legal in Arizona with certain limitations around possessing, consuming, purchasing, processing, and manufacturing (A.R.S. §36-2852). Marijuana is not legal for recreational use for anyone under the age of 21 (A.R.S. §36-2851). Medicinal marijuana use is permitted in accordance with A.R.S. §36-2801.
Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.