Arizona State Sen. J.D. Mesnard has been frustrated by the smell of weed in his own neighborhood in Chandler, Arizona. So much so, that he introduced new legislation that would make residential consumption of marijuana a crime, if it is deemed to be publicly disruptive.
Two similar measures were introduced; SCR 1048, which requires voter approval, and SB 1725, which would need to pass by the House and Senate, and signed by the governor.
“It is presumed that a person who creates excessive marijuana smoke and odor causes a condition that endangers the safety or health of others,” the proposal read.
Though the proposal doesn’t entirely define what “excessive” marijuana use would entail, if passed, Arizona residents could experience major changes in how cannabis is consumed at their own homes.
If signed into law, excessive marijuana smoke — and odor — would be a criminal offense via Arizona’s misdemeanor laws pertaining to nuisance. In Arizona, criminal nuisance is considered to be a class 3 misdemeanor, resulting in jail time and a maximum fine of $500.
SB 1725 could immediately go into effect if passed by lawmakers. SCR 1048 would bring the measure to the ballots, allowing Arizona residents to weigh in on the matter themselves.