{{short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] --> {{use mdy dates |date=April 2021}} [[File:Colorado-cannabis-universal-symbol.svg|thumb|225px|Arizona's Cannabis Universal Symbol]] {{Cannabis sidebar}} '''Cannabis in Arizona''' is legal for [[Legalization of non-medical cannabis in the United States|recreational use]]. A 2020 initiative to legalize recreational use ([[2020 Arizona Proposition 207|Proposition 207]], the Smart and Safe Act) passed with 60% of the vote. Possession and cultivation of recreational cannabis became legal on November 30, 2020, with the first state-licensed sales occurring on January 22, 2021.
[[Medical cannabis in the United States|Medical use]] was legalized in 2010 through the passage of [[2010 Arizona Proposition 203|Proposition 203]] (approved with 50.1% of the vote), with the first licensed sales occurring in December 2012.
==Medical use== ===Proposition 200 (1996)=== In 1996, 65% of Arizona voters approved Proposition 200 (the "Drug Medicalization, Prevention and Control Act"), a drug policy reform initiative that contained a provision allowing physicians to prescribe cannabis.<ref>{{cite news|title=Drug Reform Measure Signed Into Law In Arizona|url=http://norml.org/news/1996/12/09/drug-reform-measure-signed-into-law-in-arizona|access-date=May 1, 2017|work=NORML|date=December 9, 1996}}</ref> The medical use provision was then essentially repealed by state legislators a few months later,<ref>{{cite news|title=Arizona Bill Delays Medical Marijuana Use|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-04-16-mn-49181-story.html|access-date=May 1, 2017|work=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press|date=April 16, 1997}}</ref> but the change was rejected by voters in a 1998 [[Popular referendum|veto referendum]] (Proposition 300).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Spivack|first1=Sarah|title=Doctors leery to prescribe marijuana as medication|url=http://wc.arizona.edu/papers/92/57/01_4_m.html|access-date=May 1, 2017|work=Arizona Daily Wildcat|date=November 12, 1998}}</ref> Ultimately the medical use provision was ineffective, however, due to language that created significant conflict with federal law (use of the word "prescribe" instead of "recommend").<ref>{{citation|title=State-By-State Medical Marijuana Laws|url=https://www.mpp.org/assets/pdf/issues/medical-marijuana/State-by-State-Laws-Report-2015.pdf|publisher=Marijuana Policy Project|date=December 2016}}</ref>
Former U.S. Senator and Republican presidential nominee [[Barry Goldwater]] was among the supporters of the initiative,<ref name="gerber">{{cite book |last1=Gerber |first1=Rudolph Joseph |title=Legalizing Marijuana: Drug Policy Reform and Prohibition Politics |date=June 30, 2004 |publisher=Praeger |isbn=978-0275974480 }}</ref> serving as honorary chairman of the Proposition 200 campaign.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sahagun |first1=Louis |title=Arizona Begins Revolt Against Drug War |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-12-10-mn-7548-story.html |access-date=September 13, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 10, 1996}}</ref> The main sponsor in support of the initiative was [[University of Phoenix]] founder [[John Sperling]].<ref name="gerber" />
===Proposition 203 (2002)=== In November 2002, Proposition 203, a medical cannabis initiative that also sought to decriminalize recreational use, failed with 42.7% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arizona Marijuana Legalization, Proposition 203 (2002)|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Marijuana_Legalization,_Proposition_203_(2002)|website=Ballotpedia|access-date=June 4, 2017}}</ref> Included in the initiative were requirements to: (a) allow patients to possess up to {{convert|2|oz|g|spell=in}} of cannabis and grow 2 plants; (b) establish a state-run system for the distribution of medical cannabis to patients; (c) decriminalize up to {{convert|2|oz|g}} of cannabis for any use (punishable by a $250 fine); and (d) enact new sentencing reforms for non-violent drug offenses (expanding upon the 1996 reforms).<ref>{{cite news |title=Initiative To Decriminalize Pot, Expand Medicinal Marijuana Law Qualifies For Arizona Ballot |url=https://norml.org/news/2002/08/14/initiative-to-decriminalize-pot-expand-medicinal-marijuana-law-qualifies-for-arizona-ballot |access-date=September 11, 2019 |work=NORML |date=August 14, 2002}}</ref><ref name="stdw 2002">{{cite news |title=Election 2002: Arizona |url=https://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle-old/259/arizona.shtml |access-date=September 11, 2019 |work=stopthedrugwar.org |date=October 18, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Proposition 203 - 2002 Arizona Ballot Proposition Guide |url=https://apps.azsos.gov/election/2002/Info/pubpamphlet/english/prop203.htm |website=azsos.gov |access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> Proposition 203 was opposed by the state's law enforcement community, both major party gubernatorial candidates (Democrat [[Janet Napolitano]] and Republican [[Matt Salmon]]), and drug czar [[John P. Walters]] who traveled to the state to campaign against the initiative.<ref name="stdw 2002" />
===Proposition 203 (2010)=== {{Main|2010 Arizona Proposition 203}} In November 2010, Proposition 203, an initiative seeking to legalize the medical use of cannabis, was approved with 50.1% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arizona Medical Marijuana Question, Proposition 203 (2010)|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Medical_Marijuana_Question,_Proposition_203_(2010)|website=Ballotpedia|access-date=June 4, 2017}}</ref> The initiative allowed patients with a doctor's recommendation to possess up to {{convert|2+1/2|oz|g}} of cannabis for treatment of certain qualifying conditions.<ref name="norml 2010">{{cite news |title=Arizona Becomes Fifteenth State To Legalize Limited Medical Use Of Marijuana |url=https://norml.org/news/2010/11/18/arizona-becomes-fifteenth-state-to-legalize-limited-medical-use-of-marijuana |access-date=September 11, 2019 |work=NORML |date=November 18, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Belville |first1=Russ |title=30 Facts About Arizona's New Medical Marijuana Law |url=https://blog.norml.org/2010/11/15/30-facts-about-arizonas-new-medical-marijuana-law/ |access-date=September 17, 2019 |work=NORML |date=November 15, 2010}}</ref> It limited the number of dispensaries to 124 and specified that only patients who reside more than {{convert|25|mi}} from a dispensary could cultivate their own cannabis.<ref name="norml 2010" /><ref name="cbsnews" /> Proposition 203 was approved despite opposition from Governor [[Jan Brewer]], Attorney General [[Terry Goddard]], all of the state's sheriffs and county prosecutors, and many other state politicians.<ref name="cbsnews">{{cite news |last1=Freeman |first1=David W. |title=Prop 203 Passes: Medical Marijuana to Be Legal in Arizona |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prop-203-passes-medical-marijuana-to-be-legal-in-arizona/ |access-date=September 11, 2019 |work=CBS News |agency=Associated Press |date=November 16, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Millette |first1=Lauren |title=Local Leaders Speak Out Against Medical Marijuana Initiative |url=https://www.prescottenews.com/index.php/news/current-news/item/14624-local-leaders-speak-out-against-medical-marijuana-initiative |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=Prescott eNews |date=November 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916083527/https://www.prescottenews.com/index.php/news/current-news/item/14624-local-leaders-speak-out-against-medical-marijuana-initiative |archive-date=September 16, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
In May 2011, Brewer and Attorney General [[Tom Horne]] filed a lawsuit in federal court questioning some of the initiative's provisions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rough |first1=Ginger |title=Arizona officials to file suit over medical-pot program |url=http://archive.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2011/05/24/20110524arizona-medical-marijuana-prograom-on-hold.html |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=May 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190916055510/http://archive.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2011/05/24/20110524arizona-medical-marijuana-prograom-on-hold.html |archive-date=September 16, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lawsuit sought a ruling on whether state employees involved in implementing certain provisions were subject to federal prosecution.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=Howard |title=Lawsuit could put hold on Arizona medical marijuana |url=https://tucson.com/news/state-and-regional/article_65779ffe-8649-11e0-9dd2-001cc4c002e0.html |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=Arizona Daily Star |date=May 24, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Davenport |first1=Paul |title=Arizona sues Justice Dept. over medical marijuana |url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2011/05/27/arizona-sues-justice-dept-over-medical-marijuana/ |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=Arizona Capitol Times |agency=Associated Press |date=May 27, 2011}}</ref> Citing this uncertainty, the state also announced that it would suspend the issuance of licenses for medical cannabis dispensaries.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reinhart |first1=Mary K. |title=Arizona medical-pot dispensaries put on hold |url=http://archive.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/05/27/20110527arizona-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-hold.html |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=May 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190916063417/http://archive.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/05/27/20110527arizona-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-hold.html |archive-date=September 16, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lawsuit was dismissed in January 2012; a federal judge found that the issue was not [[Ripeness|ripe]] as there was no indication that the federal government would prosecute Arizona officials for implementing the act.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullum |first1=Jacob |title=Federal Judge Dismisses Arizona Governor's Challenge to Her Own State's Medical Marijuana Law |url=https://reason.com/2012/01/05/federal-judge-dismisses-arizona-governor |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=Reason |date=January 5, 2012}}</ref> Brewer subsequently lifted the moratorium, allowing state officials to begin implementing the initiative.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullum |first1=Jacob |title=Arizona's Governor Will Implement Her State's Medical Marijuana Law |url=https://reason.com/2012/01/19/arizonas-governor-will-implement-her-sta |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=Reason |date=January 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Arizona: Governor Directs State Health Officials To Implement Voter-Approved Cannabis Dispensary Measure |url=https://norml.org/news/2012/01/19/arizona-governor-directs-state-health-officials-to-implement-voter-approved-cannabis-dispensary-measure |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=NORML |date=January 19, 2012}}</ref> The first licensed dispensary opened to the public on December 6, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Yvonne Wingett |title=Medical-marijuana era under way in Arizona |url=http://archive.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2012/12/06/20121206medical-marijuana-era-under-way-in-arizona.html |access-date=October 26, 2020 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=December 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201022060455/http://archive.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2012/12/06/20121206medical-marijuana-era-under-way-in-arizona.html |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Skoloff |first1=Brian |title=First medical marijuana dispensary opens in Ariz. |url=https://news.yahoo.com/first-medical-marijuana-dispensary-opens-011816088.html |access-date=October 26, 2020 |work=Yahoo News |agency=Associated Press |date=December 6, 2012}}</ref>
In May 2012, Brewer signed legislation that made illegal the possession of medical cannabis on college campuses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=Howard |title=Brewer signs bill banning medical marijuana on college campuses |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/local/article_1291c7f4-7df3-11e1-8509-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=September 16, 2019 |work=East Valley Tribune |date=April 3, 2012}}</ref> The [[Arizona Supreme Court]] ruled in May 2018 that the law was unconstitutional, however.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arizona: Supreme Court Affirms That Lawmakers Cannot Ban Medical Cannabis Access on College Campuses |url=https://norml.org/news/2018/05/24/arizona-supreme-court-affirms-that-lawmakers-cannot-ban-medical-cannabis-access-on-college-campuses |access-date=May 26, 2018 |work=NORML |date=May 24, 2018}}</ref><ref>''[https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=11015669895097304860 State v. Maestas]'', 417 P.3d 774 (Ariz. 2018).</ref>
==Recreational use== ===Proposition 205 (2016)=== [[File:Southwest Cannabis Conference & Expo (30074750560).jpg|thumb|2016 Southwest Cannabis Conference & Expo in Phoenix]] In November 2016, Proposition 205, an initiative to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, failed with 48.7% of the vote.<ref name="ballotpedia 2016">{{citation|title=Arizona Marijuana Legalization, Proposition 205 (2016)|work=Ballotpedia|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Arizona_Marijuana_Legalization,_Proposition_205_(2016)}}</ref> The initiative would have allowed adults to possess up to {{convert|1|oz|g|spell=in}} of cannabis and cultivate up to six plants for personal use.<ref name="evt 2016">{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Mike |title=Pros and cons of Prop. 205: Marijuana initiative's murky language clarified |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/arizona/pros-and-cons-of-prop-marijuana-initiative-s-murky-language/article_9ea6ce70-9a08-11e6-805b-d32ec3065e84.html |access-date=September 13, 2019 |work=East Valley Tribune |date=October 24, 2016}}</ref> It also would have established a system for commercial distribution and taxation of cannabis, with excess tax revenues (after paying expenses) dedicated to funding public schools and substance abuse programs.<ref name="evt 2016" />
The campaign to defeat Proposition 205 raised more than $6 million,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Yvonne Wingett |last2=Woods |first2=Alden |title=Arizona voters reject Proposition 205 on night of sweeping change for marijuana |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/11/09/arizona-voters-reject-proposition-205-night-sweeping-change-marijuana/93538346/ |access-date=September 13, 2019 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=November 9, 2016}}</ref> aided significantly by the fundraising efforts of Gov. [[Doug Ducey]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Yvonne Wingett |title=As voters reject Prop. 205, marijuana in Arizona to remain prescription-only |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/11/08/arizona-recreational-marijuana-proposition-205-election-results/92893564/ |access-date=September 13, 2019 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=November 9, 2016}}</ref> Among the largest contributors to the opposition were [[Discount Tire]] ($1,000,000), [[Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry]] ($918,000), [[Sheldon Adelson]] ($500,000), and [[Insys Therapeutics]] ($500,000).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stern|first1=Ray|title=Here Are the Prohibitionists Who've Donated $10,000 or More to Keep Marijuana a Felony in Arizona|url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/here-are-the-prohibitionists-whove-donated-10-000-or-more-to-keep-marijuana-a-felony-in-arizona-8794628|access-date=June 4, 2017|work=Phoenix New Times|date=November 3, 2016}}</ref> The top contributors in support of the initiative were [[Marijuana Policy Project]] ($1,715,000), [[Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps]] ($550,000), and [[Drug Policy Alliance]] ($350,000).<ref name="ballotpedia 2016" />
===Proposition 207 (2020)=== {{Main|2020 Arizona Proposition 207}} Recreational use of cannabis was legalized through the passage of Proposition 207 on November 3, 2020.<ref name="AZCentralLegal">{{cite news |last1=Randazzo |first1=Ryan |title=Arizona voters approve Proposition 207, making recreational marijuana legal in state |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/03/arizona-marijuana-proposition-207-election-results/5997553002/ |access-date=November 4, 2020 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=November 3, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jaeger |first1=Kyle |title=Arizona Voters Approve Marijuana Legalization Ballot Measure |url=https://www.marijuanamoment.net/arizona-voters-approve-marijuana-legalization-ballot-measure/ |access-date=November 7, 2020 |work=Marijuana Moment |date=November 3, 2020}}</ref> Organizing for the initiative began in August 2019 by the Arizona Dispensaries Association and Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fischer |first1=Howard |title=Arizona group unveils proposed legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use, sales |url=https://tucson.com/news/local/arizona-group-unveils-proposed-legislation-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-use/article_8b9c23b1-81f7-50e0-8aa7-e971f062d6bc.html |access-date=January 4, 2020 |work=Arizona Daily Star |date=November 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Giles |first1=Ben |last2=Rosenblatt |first2=Dillon |title=Recreational marijuana initiative written from lessons learned |url=https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2019/08/16/recreational-marijuana-initiative-written-from-lessons-learned/ |access-date=January 4, 2020 |work=Arizona Capitol Times |date=August 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wasu |first1=Sonu |title=New cannabis group coming up with alternative initiative to legalize marijuana |url=https://www.abc15.com/new-cannabis-group-coming-up-with-alternative-initiative-to-legalize-marijuana |access-date=January 4, 2020 |work=KNXV |date=October 18, 2019}}</ref> The Arizona Dispensaries Association filed a ballot initiative application on September 26, 2019, for the "Smart and Safe Act",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apps.arizona.vote/info/assets/18/0/BallotMeasures/I-23-2020.pdf|title=Application for Serial Number / Initiative Petition I-23-2020|last=Tattrie|first=Darryl|date=September 26, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2020|archive-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208040806/https://apps.arizona.vote/info/assets/18/0/BallotMeasures/I-23-2020.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> seeking to obtain the necessary 237,645 signatures from registered Arizona voters by the July 2, 2020 deadline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://azsos.gov/elections/initiative-referendum-and-recall|title=Initiative, Referendum and Recall {{!}} Arizona Secretary of State|website=azsos.gov|access-date=January 19, 2020|archive-date=December 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229153338/https://azsos.gov/elections/initiative-referendum-and-recall|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Randazzo>{{cite news |last1=Randazzo |first1=Ryan |title=Backers of Arizona's recreational marijuana measure file 420K signatures for November ballot |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2020/07/01/smart-and-safe-arizona-marijuana-ballot-measure-files-signatures-ballot/5359357002/ |access-date=December 12, 2020 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=July 1, 2020}}</ref> The Smart and Safe Arizona campaign ultimately submitted more than 420,000 signatures to the [[Arizona Secretary of State|Secretary of State]]'s Office.<ref name=Randazzo/><ref>{{cite news|title=Arizona's Marijuana Legalization Campaign Just Filed 420,000 Signatures With the State|newspaper=Phoenix New Times|author=Natasha Yee|date=July 1, 2020|url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/marijuana/arizona-marijuana-iniitaitive-files-420000-signatures-with-state-11478656}}</ref> On August 11, 2020, the Secretary of State announced that the initiative had qualified for the November ballot as Proposition 207.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jaeger |first1=Kyle |title=Arizona Marijuana Legalization Initiative Officially Qualifies For November Ballot |url=https://www.marijuanamoment.net/arizona-marijuana-legalization-initiative-officially-qualifies-for-november-ballot/ |access-date=August 12, 2020 |work=Marijuana Moment |date=August 11, 2020}}</ref>
The Smart and Safe Act legalized adult recreational use of marijuana by allowing Arizona adults to possess up to {{convert|1|oz|g}} of marijuana (with no more than 5 grams being marijuana concentrate), and by allowing each adult to have up to 6 marijuana plants at their home (with up to 12 marijuana plants in households with two or more adult members).<ref name=Randazzo/> It directed the state [[Arizona Department of Health Services|Department of Health Services]] to set rules for retail marijuana sales by June 1, 2021, makes marijuana subject to [[Sales taxes in the United States|state and local sales taxes]] like other retail items, and imposes an additional 16% [[excise tax]] on marijuana products. The revenue is used to implement and enforce regulations related to the act; the remaining revenue is split between community colleges (33%), police and fire departments (31.4%), the state highway fund (25.4%), a justice reinvestment fund (10%), and the [[Arizona Attorney General|state attorney general]] for enforcement (0.2%).<ref>{{cite news |title=Marijuana legalization to be placed on the general election ballot in November |url=https://www.kold.com/2020/08/10/marijuana-legalization-be-placed-general-election-ballot-november/ |access-date=August 21, 2020 |work=KOLD |date=August 10, 2020}}</ref> The initiative allows employers to adopt "drug-free workplace" policies and restrict employees' and applicants' use of marijuana, and does not permit the use of marijuana in any public spaces.<ref name=Randazzo/> The initiative established that the possession by an adult of more than {{convert|1|oz|g|spell=in}}, but less than {{cvt|2.5|oz|g|frac=2}}, of marijuana, is a [[petty offense]].<ref name=Randazzo/> It also prohibits the sale of marijuana products that resemble a "human, animal, insect, fruit, toy or cartoon" and sets forth penalties for possession of marijuana by minors (which, for a first offense for possession of under {{convert|1|oz|g|spell=in}} of marijuana, is a $100 fine and drug counseling).<ref name=Randazzo/>
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry opposed the ballot initiative, contending that it would lead to "an uptick in workplace accidents and lower overall workplace productivity".<ref name=Randazzo/> Opponents of the measure sought to exclude Proposition 207 from the ballot, asserting that the 100-word ballot statement was defective.<ref name="yee">{{cite news |last1=Yee |first1=Natasha |title=Marijuana Legalization Can Stay on Arizona Ballot, State Supreme Court Rules |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/marijuana/arizona-supreme-court-rules-to-keep-pot-legalization-on-ballot-11488998 |access-date=December 12, 2020 |work=Phoenix New Times |date=August 21, 2020}}</ref> That claim was rejected unanimously by the [[Arizona Supreme Court]].<ref name="yee" />
The Smart and Safe Act passed with 60% of the vote on November 3, 2020.<ref name="AZCentralLegal" /> Possession and cultivation of cannabis became legal on November 30, 2020, when the results of the election were certified.<ref name="faq">{{cite news |last1=Randazzo |first1=Ryan |title=Legal recreational marijuana in Arizona: What you need to know |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/consumers/2020/11/04/what-know-legal-marijuana-arizona-proposition-207/6160784002/ |access-date=November 7, 2020 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=November 4, 2020}}</ref> State-licensed sales of recreational cannabis began on January 22, 2021, making Arizona the quickest state in U.S. history to begin retail sales after recreational legalization.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jaeger |first1=Kyle |title=Arizona Begins Recreational Marijuana Sales, Just Weeks After Voters Approve Legalization |url=https://www.marijuanamoment.net/arizona-begins-recreational-marijuana-sales-just-weeks-after-voters-approve-legalization/ |access-date=January 31, 2021 |work=Marijuana Moment |date=January 22, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Randazzo |first1=Ryan |title=Recreational marijuana sales kick off in Arizona |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/consumers/2021/01/22/arizona-shops-begin-selling-recreational-marijuana/4245320001/ |access-date=January 31, 2021 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210201015542/https://eu.azcentral.com/story/money/business/consumers/2021/01/22/arizona-shops-begin-selling-recreational-marijuana/4245320001/ |archive-date=February 1, 2021}}</ref>
==Advocacy==
In Arizona, [[United States Air Force]] Veteran Robert Deals, represented by the Last Prisoner Project, remains incarcerated for an 18-year cannabis sentence while recreational use is legal in the state.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Berner Joins Forces with Last Prisoner Project in Campaign to #FreeRobertDeals |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cookies-berner-joins-forces-last-140200969.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240111011947/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cookies-berner-joins-forces-last-140200969.html |archive-date=2024-01-11 |access-date=2026-04-19 |work=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref>
Arizona Supreme Court Justice and former Maricopa County Attorney [[Bill Montgomery (Arizona attorney)|Bill Montgomery]] has been a leading opponent of cannabis reform efforts in the state of Arizona.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=Meg |title=What Anti-Pot Crusader Bill Montgomery's Supreme Court Seat Means for Weed |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/bill-montgomery-supreme-court-seat-marijuana-cannabis-maricopa-11354165 |access-date=September 13, 2019 |work=Phoenix New Times |date=September 9, 2019}}</ref> He has made a number of controversial comments on the subject, including telling a military veteran who spoke in support of legalization: "I have no respect for you ... because you're an enemy."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pishko|first1=Jessica|title=This Arizona Prosecutor Is Waging a Strange War on Weed—and That's Just the Beginning|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/this-arizona-prosecutor-is-waging-a-strange-war-on-weed-and-thats-just-the-beginning/|access-date=June 4, 2017|work=The Nation|date=November 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823122815/https://www.thenation.com/article/this-arizona-prosecutor-is-waging-a-strange-war-on-weed-and-thats-just-the-beginning/|archive-date=August 23, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Montgomery engaged in a multi-year legal battle seeking to overturn the state's medical cannabis law that was approved by voters in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stern|first1=Ray|title=County Attorney Bill Montgomery Continues His Failing Crusade Against Arizona's Medical Marijuana Law|url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/county-attorney-bill-montgomery-continues-his-failing-crusade-against-arizonas-medical-marijuana-law-8925079|access-date=June 4, 2017|work=Phoenix New Times|date=December 22, 2016}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Cannabis in the United States}} {{Agriculture in the United States}}
[[Category:Cannabis in Arizona| ]] [[Category:Cannabis in the United States by state|Arizona]]