How Much Does it Cost to Renew Your MMJ Card in Arizona?
Current medical marijuana patients and caregivers in Arizona must factor in the cost and time associated with renewing their medical marijuana cards every two years. While medical marijuana treatment in AZ isn’t as contingent on cardholder status as it is in medical-only states, card renewal is essential for ensuring continued access to patient and caregiver privileges.
The good news is that you don't have to go through this process alone. Experts in the field, including the doctors at Green Leaf, can help you apply for card renewal in a timely manner so that your patient and/or caregiver status can continue uninterrupted.
The Cost to Renew your MMJ Card in Arizona
Our fee is $100 at the time of writing. Always refer to our Pricing page to get the most up-to-date information about our fees. The Arizona Department of Health Services charges $150 to process a new or renewed MMJ card. This fee applies to both adult and minor patients.
In addition, you will need to factor in the following costs:
A telemedicine fee (if applicable)
A physical exam, if required
Diagnostic tests, if required
An application filing fee (we don’t charge for this service)
At Green Leaf, we roll the certification visit, AZDHS application fee, and application filing fee into a single price to be paid at the time of your visit.
Reduced Card Application Cost for SNAP Recipients
If you are a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient, the AZDHS offers a discount on its standard application and processing fees. SNAP recipients who provide the required documentation with their card renewal application will only pay $75 to the state of Arizona for processing their new MMJ card. Please note that this discount applies only to the application fee payable to the state.
Cost to Renew an AZ MMJ Caregiver Card
Caregivers must also renew their caregiver licenses to purchase medical cannabis for the patient(s) in their care and administer it, if required. This includes a minor patient’s parent who is registered as their child’s caregiver. The cost to renew a caregiver card is $200.
Arizona's New Online Portal System
Every medical marijuana cardholder in Arizona has access to the AZDHS Individual Licensing Portal. This is where you will have submitted your initial application and also where your digital MMJ card is stored. You will need access to the portal to renew your card. MMJ doctors can help you with the AZ medical marijuana card renewal process if needed.
How Long Does It Take to Renew My Card?
You can apply to renew your card up to 90 days before its expiration date. Your approved renewed card will come into effect when your old card expires.
Medical marijuana patients who renew their card via the portal could have their application processed in a matter of hours. We always submit applications the day patients are seen. AZ processes them in the order they are received and must process them within 5 business.
Do I Need to See the Same Doctor to Renew My Card?
You may be wondering if you need to go to your old medical marijuana doctor to renew your card. The answer to this is no. Any state-licensed MD, DO, naturopath, or homeopath can provide the recommendation you need for card renewal as long as you provide up-to-date medical records showing that you still have an AZ qualifying condition.
What Happens If I Don't Renew My Medical Marijuana Card?
Renewing your MMJ card is essential if you want to remain on the medical marijuana registry. If you forget to renew your card, you can always get a new one. However, renewing in time is preferable because:
You won’t risk passing the recreational purchase and possession limits when you buy medical marijuana for yourself or a linked patient.
You won’t have to pay excise tax between your card expiring and your new application being approved, whereas you would have to pay the tax if you purchase medical marijuana as a recreational customer.
You won’t have to rush the process; getting an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor and filling in the paperwork takes time and it’s important to allow at least a few extra days in case a document is delayed.
Renew Your Card With Time to Spare
With a 90-day window to apply for your card renewal, there's no excuse for not meeting the deadline. However, if you do miss the deadline for whatever reason, all is not lost! You can still submit an application and should have a valid MMJ card again in a matter of days.
Getting professional help with your initial card application and card renewal makes the process quick and simple. Our doctors can walk you through the process and give you helpful advice for using medical marijuana to its full advantage.
