How to Get a Medical Card in Tucson, AZ

There are more than a dozen cannabis dispensaries in Tucson, Arizona, but many buyers with medicinal needs are overpaying and having their access limited because they haven’t obtained a medical marijuana card. If you find yourself in this boat, it’s not too late to do something about it.

Getting a medical marijuana card in Tucson is a quick and easy process for qualifying medical marijuana patients, and you'll get access to tax savings and legal protections that aren't available to recreational customers. To get your MMJ card, all you need to do is to book an online appointment with a medical marijuana doctor that serves Tucson patients, and you should receive your digital card within five working days.

Who Can Apply for a Medical Card in Tucson?

Arizona medical marijuana laws are pretty straightforward—as laid out in the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. Adults 18 years of age and older can apply for a medical marijuana card and—if they’re approved—shop at both medical and recreational dispensaries. Minors need permission from a parent or guardian plus two doctor recommendations—and a designated caregiver must shop on their behalf.

Whether an adult or minor, anyone applying for an Arizona medical marijuana card in Tucson must have one of Arizona’s qualifying conditions, which include chronic pain, Crohn's disease, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, wasting syndrome, and glaucoma, among others.

How to Apply for a Medical Card in Tucson

The steps for getting a medical cannabis card in Arizona are as follows:

1. Gather any relevant medical records or documentation if you have them available. In some cases, the doctor can conduct an exam during your certification appointment (but you’ll need to ask ahead to be sure).

2. Gather the other paperwork you need, including your photo ID, SNAP documentation (if applicable), and a recent photograph.

3. Book an in-office or telemedicine appointment with an Arizona medical marijuana doctor (during the clinic's regular business hours) and upload pictures of your identification card and any other requested documentation.

4. Pay the doctor's fee and appear at your appointment. You’ll also need to pay the licensing fee required by the Arizona Department of Health Services. The AZDHS fee is currently $150 for two years, reduced to $75 for SNAP recipients.

5. Apply for your MMJ card through the AZDHS. If you get certified through Green Leaf, the doctor will review your medical history and apply for your medical marijuana card on your behalf—that’s one less thing for you to worry about.

6. Once your application is approved, you can download the digital card and start shopping at medical dispensaries in Tucson. The whole process can take up to five working days, but many patients receive their medical card that same day.

What a Medical Cannabis Card Allows You to Do

There are several benefits that Tucson residents can enjoy with an Arizona medical cannabis card:

• You can buy up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis every two weeks. Recreational customers can only buy up to one ounce of cannabis or 5 grams of concentrate.

• You can grow 12 cannabis plants instead of six if you live at least 25 miles from a dispensary. For recreational consumers, only six cannabis plants can be grown at an individual's primary residence.

• You will save on the 16% excise tax.

• You can enjoy patient-only offers and discounts.

• You can get home delivery.

• You will have certain legal protection relating to employment and housing.

Get Your Medical Card in Tucson, AZ Today

If you have a qualifying condition, getting a medical marijuana card in Tucson is easy and quick.

Stop paying too much for cannabis, and get access to the treatment you need. Licensed medical marijuana doctors are only a phone call away, and you could have your medical card even sooner than you thought.