Easiest Way to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona
Updated: Jan 5
The process of getting a medical marijuana card in Arizona is quick and straightforward if you’re an Arizona resident with a qualifying condition. If you are at least 18 years of age and have an Arizona-issued ID, the easiest way to get a medical card in Arizona is:
Check the list of qualifying medical conditions.
Book an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor.
Apply for a medical marijuana card through the Arizona Department of Health Services portal.
Pay the MMJ card fee.
Purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary.
It’s that simple.
Step 1: Check the List of Qualifying Conditions
The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act—passed in 2010—specifies qualifying medical conditions for an Arizona medical marijuana card. These conditions and diseases include:
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Alzheimer's Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Cancer
Crohn's Disease
Glaucoma
Hepatitis C
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Qualifying conditions also include symptoms resulting from a debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that may be alleviated or improved with cannabis, including:
Cachexia or wasting syndrome
Persistent muscle spasms
Severe and chronic pain
Severe nausea
Seizures
People often ask if they can qualify for a medical marijuana card for anxiety or depression. While these aren't specifically listed, you might still be able to qualify. Severe anxiety may be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (which is a qualifying condition), and depression often presents along with symptoms like chronic pain and/or one of the other qualifying conditions.
If you have other severe or chronic symptoms that aren't on the list, you might still be able to get access to the Arizona medical marijuana program. According to current Arizona medical marijuana laws, other qualifying conditions can be added to the list. The Arizona Department of Health Services accepts suggestions for new qualifying conditions every January and July.
Step 2: Book an Appointment with a Registered Medical Marijuana Doctor
The second step to obtaining a medical marijuana card is to acquire a signed physician certification form. You can simply book an appointment with a licensed medical marijuana doctor like you would book a regular doctor's appointment. Minors will need permission from a parent or guardian and two physician recommendations to be considered for a medical marijuana card.
The doctor's appointment can be conducted in person or via a telemedicine medical marijuana appointment. Usually, you'll need medical records as proof of your condition to be approved via telemedicine. If you don't have medical records, you may be invited to appear in person for a physical examination.
Step 3: Apply Through the Arizona Department of Health Services Portal
Once you have a physician's recommendation, you can create an account in the Arizona Department of Health Services portal and upload:
The doctor's recommendation
A government-issued ID that shows your age, your Arizona address, and your photo
A current photograph
SNAP documentation, if applicable
Minor applicants will need to provide a parent's signature and two physician recommendations along with the signature of their designated caregiver. Any adult aged 21 and above can apply to be a caregiver in Arizona through the AZDHS portal.
At Green Leaf, we make it easy. After you visit with the medical marijuana doctor, we will submit your application as a courtesy. This is one of the easiest ways to get a same-day medical marijuana card. In most cases, you should find out within 5 working days whether or not your application has been approved.
Step 4: Shop for Cannabis
After you are approved, you can print out your AZ medical marijuana card or download it onto a mobile device and buy cannabis at any state-licensed dispensary. Medical marijuana patients in Arizona are allowed to purchase 2.5 ounces of cannabis every two weeks. You can track your purchases and remaining allotment using the Arizona Allotment Checker.
A Note for Minor Medical Patients
While medical marijuana patients aged 18 and above can visit medical dispensaries and purchase cannabis, patients under 18 will need to send their caregiver to purchase cannabis on their behalf. Underage medical marijuana patients are subject to the same purchase limits as adult patients and can track their remaining allotment using the Arizona Allotment Checker.
What Are the Benefits of an Arizona Medical Marijuana Card?
Since the Smart and Safe Arizona Act was passed in 2021, any adult aged 21 and above can purchase recreational cannabis in Arizona. However, there are still several benefits to becoming a legal medical marijuana patient if you have a qualifying condition:
Buy larger amounts of cannabis at a time
Gain access to more potent products
Enjoy medical-only discounts
Avoid paying the 16% excise tax
Enjoy certain legal protections relating to housing and employment
Who Can Get an Arizona Medical Marijuana Card?
To become an Arizona medical marijuana patient, you must:
Be an Arizona resident
Be at least 18 years of age or have permission from a parent or caregiver
Have one of the qualifying conditions
Can MMJ Cardholders Grow Cannabis Plants?
Under Arizona medical marijuana law, adults age 21 and above can grow up to six plants in a hidden, locked location at home (with a maximum of 12 plants if two or more adults live at the same address). Medical patients and/or their caregivers can grow up to 12 plants at home if they live at least 25 miles from a licensed dispensary.
Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona Has Never Been Easier
Getting certified isn't difficult if you qualify, and the easiest way to get a medical card in Arizona is to book an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor and apply online. The entire process is typically completed in 5 working days, and oftentimes you will receive your medical marijuana card that very same day.
Do you have a qualifying condition or think you could benefit from medical cannabis? Get in touch with a medical marijuana doctor. Obtaining an MMJ card could be easier than you thought.
Comments