Arizona Marijuana Law

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

In November of 2010, Arizona citizens voted to pass Proposition 203 and thus make medical marijuana legal in the state. Arizona was the 15th state in the country to allow medical use of this federally illegal drug.^[2] Other states include California, Nevada, New Jersey, Colorado, Oregon and more. ^[3] Despite the legal status of the drug when used for medicine, Arizona does not allow the non-medical possession or sale of marijuana. Those caught illegally carrying or distributing the substance may be charged with misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the offense.^[4]

Contents 1 About Marijuana 2 Medical Marijuana Law in Arizona 3 Barack Obama on Medical Marijuana 4 References

About Marijuana

Marijuana is made from the plant Cannabis sativa. The active ingredient in the drug is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is commonly known as THC. THC is responsible for the feelings of euphoria that users experience, as well as the medicinal properties of marijuana. Although the most common way to use marijuana is to smoke the dried flowers and leaves, some users ingest it orally or use a vaporizer.^[5]

Marijuana is the most widely-used illegal drug in the United States.^[6] It is currently permitted for medical use in a minority of states, where it is allowed only with the recommendation of a licensed physician. These states also typically allow cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana by qualified patients. Examples of conditions that marijuana is recommended for include HIV, glaucoma, epilepsy, nausea, chronic pain, migraines and psychological illnesses.^[7]

Medical Marijuana Law in Arizona

Marijuana use is permitted in the state of Arizona in cases where a recommendation from a qualified doctor has been obtained. Only specially-certified physicians may provide such recommendations.^[8] State-regulated medical marijuana clinics may distribute marijuana, and patients who live 25 miles or more from one of these clinics are permitted to grow their own marijuana for personal medical use.^[9] Patients interested in using medical marijuana may fill out an online Qualifying Patient Application with the Arizona Department of Health Services.^[10]

The state of Arizona recognizes two distinct types of medical marijuana patients: adults and juveniles under the age of 18. Individuals in either category must fill out an application, but minors must also obtain permission from their parent or caretaker, and submit a Custodial Parent and Legal Guardian Attestation Form.^[11]

If a patient has a condition that does not qualify them for medical marijuana but believes that they may benefit from the drug, they may request that their condition be added to the list of accepted illnesses during the months of January and July.^[12]

Patients who are unable to afford the full cost of an Arizona medical marijuana card may apply to get one at a reduced price. This option is available to those who receive SNAP benefits.^[12]

Although states like Arizona permit medical marijuana, the drug is still illegal on the national level. Marijuana is classified as a schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning it poses a high risk for abuse and has no medical value. This is the same category that heroin and ecstasy are listed under. Under this label, marijuana may not be prescribed according to federal law.^[13]

Barack Obama on Medical Marijuana

Also See: Medical Marijuana, California Marijuana Law, New York Marijuana Law, Illinois Marijuana Law, Marijuana Side Effects, Marijuana Coupons, Marijuana and Glaucoma, Marijuana and Depression

References

1. ↑ http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-14/politics/arizona.medical.marijuana_1_medical-marijuana-marijuana-regulation-marijuana-policy-project?_s=PM:POLITICS
2. ↑ http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-14/politics/arizona.medical.marijuana_1_medical-marijuana-marijuana-regulation-marijuana-policy-project?_s=PM:POLITICS
3. ↑ http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881
4. ↑ http://norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4523
5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/marijuana-use-and-its-effects
6. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/marijuana-use-and-its-effects
7. ↑ http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/
8. ↑ http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110211/tr_ac/7837078_arizona_medical_marijuana_faq
9. ↑ http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-14/politics/arizona.medical.marijuana_1_medical-marijuana-marijuana-regulation-marijuana-policy-project?_s=PM:POLITICS
10. ↑ http://www.azdhs.gov/medicalmarijuana/documents/patients/Adult_Patient_Application_Checklist.pdf
11. ↑ http://www.azdhs.gov/medicalmarijuana/patients/under18.htm
12. ↑ ^{12.0 12.1} http://www.azdhs.gov/medicalmarijuana/faqs/patients.htm#Q05
13. ↑ http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/index.html