Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Arizona
Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated October 9, 2024
Obtaining medical marijuana in Arizona requires individuals to have a state-issued medical marijuana card. And only patients certified for a qualifying condition can get a medical card in Arizona.
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- How do I qualify for medical marijuana in Arizona?
- What are the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Arizona?
- What are the requirements for getting a medical marijuana card in Arizona?
- How do I get a medical marijuana card in Arizona?
If you meet all the Arizona medical cannabis qualifications, schedule an appointment with an AZ MMJ doctor near you and get your marijuana certification. After getting certified, you can apply for the AZ medical marijuana card.
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What Qualifies for a Medical Card in AZ?
To qualify for a medical card in Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older to apply.
- Be a registered resident of the state of Arizona.
- Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
- Pay a $150 non-refundable application fee.
Importantly, your custodial parent or legal guardian must be your caregiver and apply on your behalf if you are under 18. Also, you can pay a reduced fee of $75 for your medical card if you participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
If you are still unsure about what qualifies for a medical card in AZ, go over the Adult Patient Application Checklist if you are an adult patient. And if you are a caregiver to a minor patient, go over the Patient Under 18 Application Checklist.
The Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Arizona include:
A debilitating disease or medical condition that may result in any of the following:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Severe and chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures (such as those caused by epilepsy)
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms (such as those caused by multiple sclerosis)
If you’re already suffering from one of the medical conditions mentioned above or are uncertain about your illness, you can talk to one of our licensed marijuana doctors in Arizona. Their medical expertise can help you understand if medical marijuana is the best solution for your health and well-being.
I Meet the Arizona Medical Cannabis Qualifications – What’s Next?
Getting an official medical marijuana certification is the first step in applying for an AZ medical card. After certification, submit your patient application to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS/AZDHS). Follow these steps to apply:
- Submit your application through the AZDHS Individual Licensing Portal.
- Include a signed and dated Medical Marijuana Patient Attestation Form.
- Pay the $150 state registration fee.
Optional: Provide valid documentation if you are eligible for SNAP assistance to pay a reduced fee of $75.
Afterward, you will receive your digital AZ medical marijuana ID card through a link once the ADHS processes and approves your application. Also, you can check your medical card status on the ADHS Individual Licensing Portal. The ADHS usually issues a registry identification card within ten (10) working days after receiving a complete application.
Which documents should I submit with my Arizona medical marijuana card application?
Besides meeting the requirements mentioned above, you must have the following documents on hand when applying for your AZ medical marijuana card:
- Proof of identity and Arizona residency (choose one):
- Arizona driver’s license
- Arizona identification card
- Arizona registry identification card
- The photograph page in your U.S. passport
- Birth certificate
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
- A passport-style photograph (taken within the last 60 days).
- A Medical Marijuana Patient Attestation (signed and dated).
- A Medical Marijuana Physician Certification Form (completed by an AZ MMJ doctor).
- Proof of SNAP participation (if applicable).
Key Takeaways
- Arizona residency is required to qualify for a medical marijuana card.
- Certification from a medical marijuana doctor is necessary for a qualifying condition.
- Adults 18 and older and minors with a caregiver are eligible for a medical marijuana card.
- A $150 state fee applies for the Arizona medical marijuana card.
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Common Questions about the Arizona Medical Marijuana Requirements
Below are answers to questions patients have about Arizona’s medical marijuana qualification and requirements.
How do I qualify to apply for a medical marijuana card in Arizona?
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Arizona, you must be a resident of Arizona suffering from one of the qualifying conditions for a medical card in the state.
Adult patients must be at least 18 years old, while minors must have a caregiver such as their parent or legal guardian apply on their behalf.
Can you get a medical card for anxiety and depression in Arizona?
No, anxiety and depression are not qualifying conditions for a medical card in Arizona.
However, patients can get a medical card for a qualifying condition that causes anxiety and depression, for instance, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What are the qualifying medical conditions in Arizona?
The following conditions qualify for medical marijuana in Arizona:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
Additionally, patients may qualify if they have a medical condition or treatment that causes:
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures (such as epilepsy)
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms (such as multiple sclerosis)
Other conditions may qualify if approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).
Can you get a medical marijuana card for insomnia in Arizona?
No, insomnia is not a qualifying condition for a medical card in Arizona.
But, if you suffer from an ailment that qualifies for medicinal cannabis and causes insomnia, you can get an AZ medical marijuana card.
How can I request that my medical condition be added to the list of qualifying medical conditions?
Patients can request the addition of an illness to the list of qualifying conditions for a medical card in Arizona. The ADHS accepts written requests to add a new medical condition in January and July of each calendar year.
To request the inclusion of an illness, a patient must do the following:
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- Provide the name of the medical condition.
- Describe the symptoms and how the condition affects quality of life.
- Summarize evidence supporting marijuana as a treatment option.
Can you get a medical card for ADHD in Arizona?
No. Unfortunately, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not a qualifying condition for a medical card in Arizona.
As a result, medical marijuana doctors in Arizona cannot issue you with a marijuana certification for ADHD. But, the Arizona medical marijuana laws allow individuals to request the addition of new illnesses to the existing list of qualifying medical conditions. So, if a petition asking for the inclusion of ADHD goes through, then patients may qualify for a medical card.