It is well known that there are numerous advantages to using medical marijuana. Those suffering from chronic medical conditions may find some relief from their symptoms with the help of cannabis. Unfortunately, some people may find it more difficult to obtain the means to purchase medical marijuana than others.
Even though many states have legalized recreational marijuana use, such as Arizona with Proposition 207, passed by voters in 2020, there are numerous advantages to obtaining a Medical Marijuana (MMJ) card and enrolling in the registry. Not only will you be able to carry more marijuana and thus make fewer trips to a dispensary, but you will also avoid paying the hefty sales tax levied on recreational marijuana purchases. You’ll also have additional protections, such as not being fired from your job for using marijuana or having a potential landlord refuse you housing. Continue reading to find out if you have qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Arizona.
You Must Be a Resident of Arizona
This may seem obvious, but you must be a resident of AZ to get a Medical MJ card. How do you confirm residency? An Arizona driver’s license or identification card, a passport, or a registry identification card are all acceptable documents to prove your eligibility. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, you can call yourself a resident of the state for a variety of reasons, including:
- You are employed in Arizona
- You are a registered voter in the state
- You have children in Arizona Schools
- You run a business that has offices in Arizona that also operates vehicles.
- You reside in Arizona for seven or more months out of the year.
If you are having trouble figuring out if you are a state resident, consult the ADOT website. Some people who temporarily reside in Arizona, such as out-of-state college students, will be unable to establish residency and will not meet AZ requirements for a medical marijuana card.
You Must Be Over 18 Or Establish a Medical Marijuana Caregiver
Another qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card in Arizona is you must be over the age of 18. You can still get a card for those younger than 18 if you need to treat your medical issues, but in order to do that, you will need to have a caregiver added to their application. Usually, this is a parent or legal guardian. In this case, your doctor will have to submit a Medical Marijuana Physician Certification for Patients Under 18 Form with your application. The caregiver will have to commit to helping the minor patient stay compliant with medical marijuana laws and ensure that they are taking the correct amounts and using medical marijuana the way their doctor recommends it. You can only have one caregiver established with the registry at a time.
You Must Have a Debilitating Medical Condition
To obtain a medical marijuana card, in AZ, there are requirements. You must have an eligible medical reason, which the state defines as “a debilitating medical condition.” Chronic pain, such as back pain, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and headaches, are among the most common qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Arizona. Still, other diagnoses will qualify you to use medical marijuana, such as:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Cachexia (also known as wasting syndrome)
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn’s Disease
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV or AIDS
- Nausea
- Persistent Muscle Spasms
- PTSD
- Seizures
If your established medical condition isn’t listed above, you can ask the state to add it by contacting the Arizona Department of Health Services.
A Doctor’s Authorization is Required
If you are trying to qualify for a medical marijuana card in Arizona, you must be under the care of a licensed medical professional. A doctor must submit a form to the Arizona Department of Health Services to verify that the patient has a medical condition to apply for an MMJ card. After 90 days, the patient can go online to get their AZ Medical MJ card.
While your primary care provider may be able to verify your medical needs in some cases, remember that not all doctors are willing or able to sign off on the MMJ card process. Some medical professionals do not believe they are knowledgeable enough about cannabis to do so, while others remain skeptical of the benefits. They might prefer to refer you somewhere else. Other licensed medical professionals who can verify your status, in addition to your family doctor, include:
- An Allopath (MD)
- Osteopathic (DO)
- Homeopathic [MD(H) or DO(H)]
- Naturopathic [NMD or ND]
Unfortunately, Arizona does not provide a list of Doctors who prescribe MMJ cards for confidentiality purposes. This can make establishing care difficult for qualified patients. AZ Marijuana Cards can assist you in navigating the process quickly. Fill out an application, and a doctor will contact you within 24 hours.
We hope this list has enlightened you on the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana cards in Arizona. If you have any questions about the process of acquiring a medical marijuana card in the state of Arizona, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!