By Ryan Randazzo | Arizona Republic
State law-enforcement officers and prosecutors in rural Arizona have targeted commercial truck drivers for marijuana possession even though it’s legal for anyone 21 or older to have the drug.
In at least three cases, one in Pinal County and two in Mohave County, people driving commercial vehicles were cited for possession — not driving under the influence — of marijuana.
In 2020, nearly 2 million Arizona voters approved Proposition 207 to legalize marijuana possession for people 21 and older. It passed with 60% of voters in support.
But prosecutors are targeting truckers because of federal law that prohibits professional drivers from possessing drugs, and marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
“These are important cases that sit on the cutting edge of criminal law. Prosecutors would be well served to remember their interests and recall that voters recently chose, in overwhelming fashion, to end Arizona’s prosecution of cannabis consumers. Even in Mohave County—where 3 in 4 residents voted for Donald Trump—an overwhelming majority of 60% voted to let adults consume marijuana for recreational purposes. These election results demonstrate that progressives and libertarians alike are tired of wasting their tax dollars on the prosecution of people who pose no risk to society. Elected officials should take note.”
Jonathan Udell, Rose Law Group Cannabis Co-Chair
