Is Delta 9 Legal in Arizona?
If you live in (or just love to visit) the Grand Canyon State and you also love cannabis, good news! Delta-9 THC is legal in Arizona, along with most other cannabinoids and cannabis products!
But the law is a little complex, so let’s break down the legality of Delta-9 THC in Arizona:
- Hemp-derived Delta 9 is legal in Arizona. In Arizona, you can possess, produce, distribute, sell, and use Delta 9 cannabis products legally.
- As long as they are derived from legal hemp plants, other Delta-9 THC isomers such as Delta-8 THC, HHC, THCP, THC-O, and Delta-10 THC have the same legal status.
- Hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) and other cannabinoids are legal in Arizona.
- Arizona has a legal medical marijuana program, so marijuana-derived products are legal as part of it for qualified patients.
- Recreational marijuana is finally legal for adult-use in Arizona, too!
- Cannabis delivery is available in Arizona, but only for medical marijuana patients.
Read on to learn more about the legality of Delta-9 THC in AZ (Arizona)!
What Is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It is responsible for the “high” or euphoric effect associated with cannabis use.
Delta-9 THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which affects the release of neurotransmitters and can alter various bodily functions, such as mood, appetite, and perception of pain. Metabolites of Delta-9 THC are also the primary target of drug tests for cannabis use.
The Cannabis sativa plant produces many cannabinoids in different amounts naturally. Some of these produce psychoactive effects while others do not. This includes Delta-9 THC, the most abundant cannabinoid found in the variety of cannabis plant classified as marijuana.
In fact, most standard cannabis plants carry an abundance of Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. However, isomers such as Delta-8 THC and minor cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG) occur only in trace amounts in the industrial hemp plant.
The effects of THC can vary depending on the dosage, individual sensitivity, and method of consumption. Common effects of Delta-9 THC include:
- Euphoria. THC can produce a feeling of euphoria or a “high” that is often described as a sense of relaxation, happiness, and well-being.
- Altered perception. THC can alter the perception of time, space, and surroundings. It can also intensify sensory experiences, such as taste, sight, and sound.
- Appetite. THC can stimulate appetite, commonly known as the “munchies.”
- Memory and attention. THC can affect short-term memory and attention.
- Impaired coordination. THC can impair coordination, balance, and reaction time.
- Increased heart rate. THC can increase heart rate.
- Dry mouth. THC can cause dry mouth, which can be alleviated by drinking water.
It is important to note that the effects of THC can vary depending on the individual and the circumstances surrounding use. Additionally, THC can have negative side effects on mental health, such as increased anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis, particularly in individuals who are predisposed to these conditions.
Is Delta-9 THC Legal in Arizona?
Yes. The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (also called the Farm Bill) changed the legality of hemp-derived THC products under both Arizona state and federal law. In the Senate bill changes and oversight take place every five years; the next version of the Farm Bill is set to be adopted in 2023. No substantive changes to legalized hemp are anticipated.
For hemp-derived Delta-9 THC to be legal under federal law, source hemp plants must include less than 0.3% dry weight THC. At the federal level, cannabis plants with over 0.3% THC are considered controlled substances and illegal.
In November 2020, statutory provision Proposition 207, called the Safe and Smart Act, became law in Arizona. This legalized personal adult-use marijuana. Prop 207 can be found in Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 36, Chapter 28.2.
Adults over 21 can now buy, possess, process, or transport 1 ounce or less of marijuana or 5 grams or less of marijuana concentrate thanks to this voter initiative. It also removed THC from the state’s Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) regulates and licenses cannabis growing, sales, and testing facilities in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) collects excise tax (state only) and transaction privilege tax (state, counties, and local) on adult use marijuana sales, but not medical sales. The Arizona Department of Agriculture was tapped to administer the new industrial hemp program for the state.
What About Medical Marijuana?
Yes, it’s legal. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) administers the state’s medical marijuana program and most other public health services.
Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 36-2801 defines “medical use” of marijuana as “… the acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, administration, delivery, transfer or transportation of marijuana or paraphernalia relating to the administration of marijuana to treat or alleviate a registered qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the patient’s debilitating medical condition.”
The statute goes on to define “qualifying patient”[A.R.S. § 36-2801(15)], as a “person who has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition.”
Finally, A.R.S. § 36-2801 defines debilitating medical conditions to include Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cancer, Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, or other causes of severe and chronic pain, nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, or wasting.
What About Recreational Cannabis?
Yes! In Arizona, adults 21 or older can possess, consume, buy, manufacture by manual or mechanical means, including sieve or ice water separation [think bubble hash] but excluding chemical synthesis or extraction [so no home butane labs], process, or transport one ounce or less of marijuana for recreational use.
In Arizona, no more than five grams of your cannabis can be in concentrate form extracted from marijuana plants, such as shatter, wax, or oil for vape pens or carts. See A.R.S. § 36-2852(A)(1) Possession of more than 1 ounce is a petty offense for cases involving less than 2.5 ounces with a civil penalty of not more than $100.
Cannabis is regulated like alcohol in Arizona, and it remains illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume or possess marijuana under the recreational marijuana laws of the state. It is a crime to distribute alcohol or cannabis to a minor.
This body of law makes the State of Arizona somewhat more liberal legally than some other Western states such as Utah and Idaho, but perhaps less so than Washington or California.
What Types of Delta 9 Products are Legal in Arizona?
In Arizona you can find a huge range of Delta 9 products on the market, both from recreational cannabis and full-spectrum hemp products. They include Delta 9 gummies, distillate, beverages and other edibles, tinctures, vape carts, and more. Their THC content varies, although most high-quality products will provide details and proof that they are third-party lab-tested.
Of course, like other natural supplements, Delta 9 THC products are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Become a label reader with all forms of THC and other natural products!
What about Delta 8 THC Products?
Is Delta 8 THC legal in Arizona? Yes, the changes to Arizona law kept the medical cannabis law in line with the federal government and the Farm Bill. It also allowed Arizona law to make not just hemp-derived Delta 9 and isomers like Delta 8 and Delta 10 but all other cannabinoids, isomers, derivatives, flavonoids, terpenes, and salts from hemp plants legal.
What About Cannabis Delivery?
Arizona is a state filled with open spaces, long drives and, in the cities, bad traffic. Delivery is a must in the urban areas. But what about cannabis?
Only medical marijuana patients can get cannabis delivery in Arizona right now. It’s a big reason some patients still renew their cards—although it’s not cheap. But not everyone can afford to participate.
But almost anyone can afford to order Delta 9 delivery online! Right now under Arizona state laws, you can buy Delta-9 THC products that are third-party tested and derived from federally compliant hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. That way you get Delta-9 THC gummies and other goodies delivered right to your door! Problem solved.
Where to Buy Delta-9 THC Products in Arizona?
You can buy Delta-9 products online and in brick-and-mortar dispensaries and retailers across Arizona. There are obviously plenty of options in big cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Tucson.
But especially if you’re looking for the best hemp-derived Delta-9 products, we always recommend buying online. These vendors offer more rigorous standards, higher quality, and the best delta products overall.
Legal disclaimer: This product may cause you to fail a THC drug test. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not evaluated these statements. All products contain less than 0.3% Δ9THC. Do not take if pregnant or nursing. This product is not intended to cure, diagnose, prevent, or treat any illness or disease. Always check with a healthcare provider before consuming new products. Keep out of reach of children.
Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers
The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.
Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb
Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products (including all varieties of our Delta-9 gummies) are of the highest quality and safety standards.