Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Tempe, AZ Cannabis Regulations: Home Cultivation (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State Law
Proposition 207 / ARS 36-2852
Plant Limit
6 per person, 12 per household (2+ adults)
Security
Enclosed, locked area required
Visibility
Must not be visible from public spaces
Landlords
May prohibit cultivation in leases
Sales
Selling home-grown cannabis is prohibited

Summary

Arizona law (Proposition 207 / ARS 36-2852) permits adults 21+ to grow up to 6 cannabis plants per person (12 per household with 2+ adults) for personal use. Plants must be in an enclosed, locked area not visible from public spaces. Tempe cannot prohibit home cultivation under state preemption but enforces nuisance provisions for odor and other impacts. Landlords may prohibit cultivation in lease agreements.

A. Except as specifically and expressly provided in sections 36-2851 and 36-2853 and notwithstanding any other law, the following acts by an individual who is at least twenty-one years of age are lawful, are not an offense under the laws of this state or any locality, may not constitute the basis for detention, search or arrest, and cannot serve as the sole basis for seizure or forfeiture of assets, for imposing penalties of any kind under the laws of this state or any locality or for abrogating or limiting any right or privilege conferred or protected by the laws of this state or any locality:

1. Possessing, consuming, purchasing, processing, manufacturing by manual or mechanical means, including sieving or ice water separation but excluding chemical extraction or chemical synthesis, or transporting one ounce or less of marijuana, except that not more than five grams of marijuana may be in the form of marijuana concentrate.

2. Possessing, transporting, cultivating or processing not more than six marijuana plants for personal use at the individual's primary residence, and possessing, processing and manufacturing by manual or mechanical means, including sieving or ice water separation but excluding chemical extraction or chemical synthesis, the marijuana produced by the plants on the premises where the marijuana plants were grown if all of the following apply:

(a) Not more than twelve plants are produced at a single residence where two or more individuals who are at least twenty-one years of age reside at one time.

(b) Cultivation takes place within a closet, room, greenhouse or other enclosed area on the grounds of the residence equipped with a lock or other security device that prevents access by minors.

(c) Cultivation takes place in an area where the marijuana plants are not visible from public view without using binoculars, aircraft or other optical aids.

Source: Arizona Smart and Safe Act - ARS 36-2852View official code

Full Breakdown

). Adults 21 and older may cultivate up to 6 marijuana plants per person, with a household maximum of 12 plants where two or more adults reside. Plants must be grown in an enclosed area equipped with a lock or security device preventing access by minors. The growing area must not be visible from public places or neighboring properties. While Tempe cannot ban home cultivation under state preemption, the city enforces its nuisance ordinance for excessive odor that impacts neighbors. Tenants should check lease agreements, as Arizona law allows landlords to prohibit cannabis cultivation in rental properties.

In Tempe's dense urban and student-heavy neighborhoods near ASU, odor from home cultivation is a common complaint topic. Outdoor cultivation on balconies or open yards is not compliant if visible to the public. The product of home cultivation may not be sold.

Violations & Fines

Growing more than the permitted number of plants is a criminal offense. Cultivation visible to the public or creating odor nuisances may result in code enforcement action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow cannabis at home in Tempe?
Yes. Adults 21+ may grow up to 6 plants per person (12 per household). Plants must be in an enclosed, locked area not visible from public spaces.
Can my landlord prohibit growing cannabis?
Yes. Arizona law allows landlords to prohibit cannabis cultivation in lease agreements. Check your lease before growing.
What about the smell from growing?
Excessive cannabis odor affecting neighbors may violate Tempe's nuisance ordinance. Use odor control measures, especially in dense neighborhoods near ASU.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tempe

All Tempe rules

Compare Tempe to another location·View the Arizona cannabis regulations overview

Get notified when Home Cultivation in Tempe, AZ changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Home Cultivation in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Maricopa County handle home cultivation.

Chandler, AZ
Some Restrictions
Mesa, AZ
Some Restrictions
Glendale, AZ
Some Restrictions
Goodyear, AZ
Some Restrictions
Surprise, AZ
Some Restrictions
Scottsdale, AZ
Some Restrictions