Possession and Use of Marijuana

Possession and use of marijuana is either a felony or a misdemeanor. Possession of marijuana that you intend to sell is a felony. Possession and use of marijuana can result in probation, attending classes on the harmful effects of drugs, and performing community service. (ARS 13-3405). You may also lose your driving privileges.

An adjudication on a marijuana charge goes on your record and can follow you throughout your life. For example, a candidate for a U.S. Supreme Court appointment was disqualified after admitting he had used marijuana as a student.

Smoking and Possessing Tobacco Products

Any person who knowingly sells or gives tobacco products to minors is guilty of a petty offense.  Any minor who has tobacco in his or her possession is guilty of an incorrigible act.  (ARS 13-3622).

Tobacco products are defined as cigars, cigarettes, or cigarette papers, and smoking or chewing tobacco. (ARS 13-3622) So if you are under the age of 18 you should not have any of these items. If you do, you are guilty of an incorrigible act.

In addition to this, smoking tobacco in locations such as elevators, busses, libraries, museums, and health care institutions is considered a public nuisance and dangerous to public health.  An adult guilty of such acts would be charged with a petty offense, while a minor would be charged with a delinquent act.  (ARS 36-601.01).

What about at school?

Using or possessing tobacco products on school grounds (buildings, parking lots, fields, and vehicles) or at off campus school sponsored events is a petty offense for adults and a delinquent act for minors.  (ARS 36-798.03).  The law does not apply to adults using tobacco products as a part of a tobacco prevention or cessation program.  (ARS 36-798.03).

Incorrigibility means the breaking of rules or laws that usually don’t apply to adults, behaving in a manner that that could endanger self or others, and refusing to obey the reasonable orders or directions of parents and guardians. Incorrigible actions include missing school, running away, and using tobacco and alcohol. (ARS 8-201). There are several possible outcomes for incorrigibility. These include being put on probation, having driving privileges suspended, paying fines for damages (sometimes called restitution) (ARS 8-323)

Is is against the law for a person under the legal drinking age (which is 21) to buy, receive, have in possession, or consume alcohol.(ARS 4-244).

If you have or use alcohol when you are under the age of 21, you may be put on probation, have your driving privileges suspended, or pay fines or damages.