Arizona has made significant strides in terms of cannabis legalization in recent years, with medical marijuana being legalized in 2010 and recreational use being legalized in 2020. One of the many benefits of obtaining a medical marijuana card in Arizona is the protection it provides to cardholders in terms of housing and employment.

Housing Protections

In terms of housing, Arizona law states that landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone simply because they have a medical marijuana card (A.R.S. § 33-1317). This means that cardholders can live wherever they choose without fear of discrimination from landlords. Additionally, landlords cannot evict a tenant simply because they are using medical marijuana, as long as the tenant is using the drug in accordance with state law (A.R.S. § 33-1319).

Employment Protections

Similarly, medical marijuana cardholders in Arizona are protected from employment discrimination (A.R.S. § 36-2811). Employers cannot discriminate against employees simply because they have a medical marijuana card, and they cannot refuse to hire someone solely because of their medical marijuana use. Furthermore, employers cannot take any adverse action against employees for their off-duty medical marijuana use, as long as the employee is not under the influence of the drug while at work.

It’s important to note that these protections only apply to medical marijuana cardholders and not to recreational users (A.R.S. § 36-2811). In order to take advantage of these protections, individuals must obtain a medical marijuana card from the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS). This requires a recommendation from a licensed physician and proof of Arizona residency.

Obtaining a medical marijuana card also has a number of other benefits. For one, it allows individuals to purchase and use marijuana for medicinal purposes without fear of legal consequences. Additionally, medical marijuana cardholders have access to higher potency products and are able to purchase more of the drug than recreational users (AZDHS).

The protections provided to medical marijuana cardholders in Arizona are an important step towards creating a more equitable and just society. By removing barriers to housing and employment, individuals who rely on medical marijuana for their health are able to live their lives without fear of discrimination or consequences.

It is also worth mentioning that, despite these protections, there are still some limitations on the use of medical marijuana in Arizona. For example, medical marijuana cannot be used in public spaces or while operating a motor vehicle (AZDHS).

Sources:

A.R.S. § 33-1317: Landlord and tenant; discrimination against medical marijuana users and cardholders prohibited

A.R.S. § 33-1319: Landlord and tenant; grounds for termination of rental agreement; medical use of marijuana

A.R.S. § 36-2811: Employment protection for medical marijuana cardholders

Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS): https://www.azdhs.gov/

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. If you have specific questions about your rights and protections as a medical marijuana cardholder in Arizona, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney.