How to Get Your Medical Cannabis Card in Arizona | Sol Flower
Are you an Arizonian interested in exploring the world of medical cannabis? Our helpful blog has everything you need to know.
Although recreational cannabis is now legal throughout the state, there are still plenty of reasons to enroll in the Arizona medical marijuana program. Do you need a medical card in Arizona? No, but medical patients can purchase cannabis with fewer restrictions, enjoy more potent products, and save on taxes.
Fortunately, Arizona designed its medical marijuana laws to make it easy for patients to get the cannabis they need. We talked to our expert budtenders about getting a med card in AZ, including the top FAQs new patients ask.
How do I Become a Legal Medical Marijuana Patient in Arizona?
There are two immediate actions you must take to get your medical card in AZ.
First, you need to get a doctor to give you a prescription. Then you need to file an official application with the DHS.
Can You Get MMJ Card Online in Arizona?
The first step to obtaining your Arizona med card is to go through the AZDHS individual licensing portal. Aside from the application, the ADHS portal also includes an easy checklist of the documentation you’ll need to qualify for the Arizona medical cannabis program.
Getting your Arizona medical marijuana card online through the official website is the fastest and easiest way to check the requirements for qualification and to make sure you’re ready to set up an appointment with one of the many Arizona marijuana doctors who can assess you for a qualifying condition.
What are the Arizona Medical Card Requirements?
So what qualifies for a medical card in AZ? Let’s take a closer look.
Age Requirements
To become an Arizona mmj patient, you must either be over the age of 18 or have the approval of a custodial caregiver or guardian. This means that if you’re a minor who qualifies for the Arizona medical marijuana program, your caregiver will be in charge of visiting your dispensary to pick up medication. If you’ve over 18, you can do it yourself.
Residency Requirements
It might sound obvious, but you need to live in Arizona to get an Arizona mmj card.
Recreational consumers don’t have to present a state ID, but medical patients need to be Arizona residents.
What are Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Arizona?
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis C
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or the treatment for a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that causes:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome;
- Severe and chronic pain;
- Severe nausea;
- Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy;
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis
However, if your condition isn’t listed, don’t panic. State law says that patients can request that other conditions be added to the last category if their doctor deems cannabis an appropriate treatment.
Does Anxiety Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Arizona?
You may be wondering, “Can I get a medical card for anxiety in Arizona?” If your anxiety is severe enough, the answer is yes. Chronic anxiety may express itself as a form of PTSD, and there are many studies showing cannabis can potentially provide relief from this condition.
Does Depression Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Arizona?
Similar to anxiety, depression is one of the psychological ailments most commonly treated with cannabis. You can get an AZ mmj card for chronic or severe depression that expresses itself as one of the conditions on the list or if your physician believes cannabis will help alleviate your depression.
Do you Need Medical Records to get an Arizona MMJ Card?
While having access to your medical records will undoubtedly make it easier for your doctor to prescribe cannabis, they may also be able to assess you by examining your current symptoms. All AZ medical marijuana card doctors have different requirements. When you schedule your appointment, ask if your records will be necessary to decide.
How Do I Set Up an Appointment With a Licensed Medical Marijuana Doctor in Arizona?
You set up an assessment for a medical marijuana card AZ the same way you’d schedule any other doctor’s appointment–and no, not by having your mom do it for you! Many Arizona cannabis physicians prefer that you schedule appointments on the phone, although some offer enrollment through an online patient portal.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Medical Card in AZ?
Your AZ mmj card cost includes both the application and registration fee of $150 ($75 if you use the SNAP program) and whatever your doctor charges for the exam.
These exams are often not covered by insurance unless your primary care provider will agree to assess you for cannabis treatment. Therefore, your AZ medical marijuana card cost will vary depending on what your provider charges.
How Long Does it Take to Get Your MMJ Card in AZ?
Once you’ve completed that doctor’s appointment and filled out your online application, getting an Arizona medical mmj card is a pretty quick process if you’re approved. The ADHS says that they will issue a card once your qualifying application is received within ten working days.
How Long is the AZ MMJ Card Valid for?
You’ve seen your doctor, filed your paperwork, and obtained your Arizona marijuana medical card. Congratulations!
Your medical card AZ is now effective for the next two years. You can use your weed card in AZ to purchase cannabis at any licensed dispensary in the state.
How Do You Renew a Medical Card in Arizona?
The Arizona medical marijuana card renewal process is relatively intuitive for anyone who has obtained their first card. The first step is making a doctor’s appointment–and many offices charge a lower fee for returning patients. Up to 90 days before the expiration date on your current card, get online and download the official form. Upload:
- A current photograph
- New physician certification and patient attestation form
- A copy of your valid state ID
Can I Have a Caregiver Pick Up Weed For Me?
Just like any other prescription, your caregiver can pick up cannabis for you if they have the proper documentation and your consent. Your MMJ caregiver can help obtain and administer your cannabis prescription as necessary. Some caregivers can even grow small amounts of cannabis under certain circumstances.
Does a Caregiver Need an AZ MMJ Card?
Unlike other kinds of home health aids, MMJ caregivers can be trusted individuals without formal medical training. Caregivers need to complete a Designated Caregiver application through the AZDHS and upload the following information:
- Their biographical data
- Proof of residency
- A current photograph
- A completed Medical Marijuana Caregiver Attestation form
- Fingerprint and a Fingerprint Verification Form
After I Get my MMJ Card, Where Can I Use It?
You can use your marijuana card AZ in any licensed dispensary throughout the state, including ours!
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