Arizona Lawmakers to Consider Legalizing Marijuana in 2017
PHOENIX, AZ In November, Arizonas Proposition 205 was the only marijuana-related statewide referendumthat didnt pass, being defeated by a slim 51% to 49% vote.
Now, just a little over a month later, State RepresentativeMark Cardenas (D-Louisville) has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming 2017 legislative session to give state lawmakers another chance at legalizing marijuana. Cardenas filed a similar bill last year.
Cardenass bill, House Bill 2003, would legalize marijuana for adults 21 or older. Adults would be allowed to purchase, use and possess up to one ounce of marijuana and gift up to one ounce of marijuana to other adults.
Adults would also be allowed to grow up to five cannabis plants at home, if certain criteria were met. In order to grow their own cannabis, adults would either need to be the homeowner or have permission from their landlord. Personal grows would be required to be hidden from public view, and adults would be required to make reasonable precautions to ensure the grow is secured and unable to be accessed by minors.
Adults would also be allowed to give away up to five plants to other adults, without compensation.
Marijuana accessories, such as bongs, pipes and other paraphernalia, would also be legal for adults to possess.
Retail sales would also be authorized, subject to a $50 per ounce excise tax. Taxes would be earmarked for educational and health programs, as well as the states general fund.
The retail cannabis industry would be overseen by the states Department of Health Services, including licencing for pot shops and cultivation facilities.
Under the proposal, public use of marijuana would remain illegal, punishable by a civil penalty with fines up to $500.
Minors under 21 caught possessing up to one ounce of marijuana would have their pot seized by police, and they would be required to attend a 4-hour drug awarenessclass. If they dont attend the class within a year, they would ...
