Arizona

Arizona law does not explicitly address the issue of hemp-derived CBD. But, with recent legislation, like SB 1098 and the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD oil and other CBD products are legal.
Though hemp is only regulated by the Department of Agriculture and not the FDA, it still must adhere to USDA standards. Before cultivating, harvesting, transporting, processing hemp in Arizona individuals must first apply for a license issued by the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
According to SB 1098, the state’s industrial hemp program is designed to research the growing: cultivating and marketing of industrial hemp. Also known as ‘hemp products,’ the definition of an industrial hemp product is any derivative extracted from the plant.

Table of contents

1. Brief Info

  • Is CBD Legal in Arizona?
The products that contain less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in Arizona.
  • Who Can Buy CBD in Arizona?
People above the age of 18 or 21. Depending on the shop policies. 
  • Who Can grow CBD products in Arizona?
 Sellers who have a government-approved license. 
  • Who is protected from criminal offenses regarding CBD use? 
More in-depth information about the state regulations and laws.

2. Arizona CBD Laws

SB 1098 creates a state-run program for the production of industrial hemp. Industrial hemp production had the potential to improve Arizona's agricultural sector. Industrial hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Industrial hemp is defined as any part of the plant that contains this low level of THC and complies with the law. According to SB 1098, the state’s industrial hemp program is designed to research the growing: cultivating and marketing of industrial hemp. Also known as ‘hemp products,’ the definition of an industrial hemp product is any derivative extracted from the plant. Arizona law does not explicitly address the issue of hemp-derived CBD. But, with recent legislation, like SB 1098 and the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD oil and other CBD products are legal. Medical cannabis - including products made with CBD, is legal in Arizona as long as a qualified doctor prescribes it.

Licensing Requirements

Before cultivating, harvesting, transporting, processing hemp in Arizona individuals must first apply for a license issued by the Arizona Department of Agriculture. While applying for a license, attach copies of your Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card and the check of the required payment.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not demand a license for manufacturing, marketing, or selling hemp or CBD products. Though hemp is only regulated by the Department of Agriculture and not the FDA, it still must adhere to USDA standards.

Where to Buy CBD Products Legally In Arizona

There is a wide range availability of CBD products in Arizona. Users can buy CBD both online and in-store. The recommended way of purchasing CBD online is through the brand’s official website. Online retailers may have lower prices since they often offer various discounts and sales. CBD products can also be found in health and wellness stores, as well as at dispensaries. Below are some of the places you can purchase CBD products in Arizona:
  • AZ CBD Dispensary 
  • Sun City CBD Dispensary 
  • Tempe CBD Dispensary 
  • Tumbleweeds Health Center
  • Walgreens

Medical Cannabis in Arizona

Adults 21 and older, patients in the ADHS registry, and caregivers can purchase marijuana from a state-licensed nonprofit dispensary. Both groups may purchase cannabis in a variety of forms, including flowers, extracts, edibles, topicals, salves, and capsules. Adults of legal age can buy up to 28 grams- or one ounce—of cannabis and no more than 5 grams of concentrate. Sales tax on purchases by recreational consumers is 16%.Patients are eligible to possess up to 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of medical cannabis in a 14-day period. Dispensaries are required to use a tracking system provided by the state. Many nonprofit dispensaries offer a discount for financially struggling patients. Patients who live farther away from their closest dispensary may apply for medical cannabis delivery services.  Licensed medical cannabis delivery services will deliver their products directly to a patient's address. Some of the qualifying conditions for receiving medical marijuana card are Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, Cancer, severe and chronic pain, etc. 

Steps to Receive a Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona

Step 1: Visit a Physician

To receive a written certification for medical cannabis certification, find a doctor licensed by the state of Arizona. The written certification has to be on a form provided by the ADHS, and can only be completed within 90 days of submitting an application for a registry identification card.

Step 2: Complete The Application

Arizona residents must provide residency proof and a driver's license. Designate a caregiver. Request authorization to grow, if applicable for medical purposes.

Step 3: Pay The Fee

The card costs $150. It expires one year after the date of issue and must be renewed for $150 annually at least 30 days before it expires.

Step 4: Receive your Card

10 days from the receipt of a completed application or renewal, the Department will either approve or deny it. An identification card is issued within five days following approval. Any and all records related to the application or renewal process are considered confidential.

Dosage limits

Medical cardholders can possess up to 70 grams of marijuana in a 14-day period. Adults over age 21 can possess 28 grams of marijuana without any more than 5 grams comprising cannabis concentrates.

3. Notes

  1. Geoffrey William Guy; Brian Anthony Whittle; Philip Robson (2004). The Medicinal Uses of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Pharmaceutical Press. pp. 74–. ISBN 978-0-85369-517-2.
  2. Bloomsbury Publishing (2010). Dictionary of Medical Terms. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 139.