How to Get Your Caregiver Certification in Arizona

Arizona caregivers are a lifeline in the cannabis community. They are the only individuals who can purchase cannabis for medical cannabis patients under 18 or incapacitated adults who can’t make the trip and/or purchase on their own. They help obtain, deliver, transport, and even administer cannabis when patients can’t do it themselves.

While caregivers have many rights, they aren’t the same as those of an adult MMJ patient. Keep reading to explore a cannabis caregiver’s rights and learn how to become a caregiver in Arizona.

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How to Become a Caregiver in Arizona

how to become a medicinal cannabis caregiver

If you're interested in learning how to become a caregiver in Arizona, there are just a few things to keep in mind.

Ensure you qualify. Caregivers must be 21 years or older and designated by a qualifying patient. Patients under 18 require a caregiver to participate in the program.
Once a patient designates you as their caregiver, complete all necessary paperwork. The patient for whom you'll be a caregiver must submit a separate application to designate you as their caregiver.
Caregiver certification cards cost $200. Submit the payment when the patient submits your caregiver application.

Good to know:

Before applying, note that approved caregiver applications are valid for two years.
Promptly notify the state through the Department of Health website if there are any changes to your card or address.

Ready to get your Arizona medical cannabis card? Still have more questions? Visit NuggMD Arizona to get started at your convenience or learn more.

AZ Caregivers: What Do They Do (and Who Qualifies)?

Caregivers in Arizona can support up to five qualifying patients at one time. Patients must designate an individual as a caregiver on their medical cannabis application. A caregiver certification in Arizona means one can obtain, transport, deliver, and even administer cannabis to their patient. Caregivers can also cultivate up to 12 plants per qualified patient if the patient lives more than 25 miles from a medical dispensary.

Designated AZ caregivers must also meet specific requirements:

Be at least 21 years of age or older.
Agree to assist with a patient’s medical use of cannabis.
Assist not more than five qualifying patients with cannabis use.
No convictions of any excluded felony offense.
Not be paid any fee or compensation for the service of being a caregiver.

Arizona Medical Marijuana Laws for Caregivers and Their Patients

Designating a Medicinal Marijuana Caregiver in Arizona

While caregivers can support up to five qualifying patients, patients can only designate one caregiver at any given time. The patient must specify their designated caregiver at the time of their application. The caregiver and patient will also need to fill out a separate application for the caregiver. If the patient is a minor, the designated caregiver must be a custodial parent or legal guardian.

Cultivating Cannabis as an Arizona Caregiver

In addition to buying and administering medical cannabis, Arizona caregivers can also cultivate cannabis plants on their patients' behalf. Caregivers can cultivate up to 12 plants for each of their qualified patients. The ability to cultivate on behalf of the patient ensures patients have access to specific strains and products they may prefer or even need.

However, caregivers can only grow cannabis if their patient is more than 25 miles from their nearest dispensary. It doesn't matter how far the caregiver lives from a dispensary.