Despite Prop 207 passing in Arizona earlier this month, police are warning the public that the measure hasn’t gone into effect yet and the drug is not legal to smoke until it happens.
Many people in the state are now convinced that marijuana is legal to smoke because the measure had passed but that is not the case.
Yuma police spokeswoman Lori Franklin spoke to ABC15 and said that the Governor still has to issue a formal proclamation legalizing marijuana for adult use.
Agencies through Arizona are now having to study the law and train officers on what is allowed and what is now allowed according to the new rules.
Gary Smith, an attorney with the Guidant Law Firm and the head of the Arizona Cannabis Bar Association and board member with the Arizona Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, has pointed out that there are still many things that are illegal despite when the measure goes into effect.
“Individuals are not free to sell it, so even in this world of open adult use, individuals like you like me cannot sell it to one another,” noted Smith.
Businesses will still need to get licensed so the only way to get marijuana would be to grow plants in your own home for personal use. Smith said that Arizona residents have the green light to start cultivating their own pot.
The law sets limits on the number of plants you can grow however which is six per individual, and no more than 12 per household.
“So, for example, a fraternity who thinks, ‘hey, we’ve got 20 guys living in the house, let’s start a plantation.’ No. 12 plants max per household,” said Smith.
Smith also warns that if you have over 2.5 ounces of the drug you can still face a misdemeanor charge for possession. Even a misdemeanor offense could lead to jail time and stay on your record.
It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to use marijuana.
