The medical cannabis program in Arizona began through a voter-approved initiative called Proposition 203 in November 2010. Called AMMA, the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act didn’t go into effect until April 14, 2011.
On December 6, 2012, the first licensed medical dispensary opened to the public in Arizona.
Now, out of a population of 7.3 million, there are over 127,000 medical cannabis patients. While medical cannabis sales saw a decline after recreational dispensaries opened in 2021, there are still several important benefits available to patients when they choose to get or keep their medical card.
This guide explores how to get a medical card in Arizona and the next steps for what to do. Keep reading to learn how to get a medical marijuana card in AZ.
How to Become a Patient: AZ Medical Card Requirements
It takes just a few easy steps to become an AZ medical cannabis patient. To qualify for a medical card, you must first meet the following requirements:
- Adult applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older to apply. Patients under 18 must get a designated caregiver, typically a parent or guardian.
- Be a registered Arizona state resident. You can prove this with your state ID or driver’s license.
- You must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition, which can be done through an evaluation with a physician certified to give medical cannabis recommendations.
- The base application fee for an AZ med card is $150. Those receiving SNAP will pay $75 instead.
The state will review everything and issue your electronic card via email, often within 10 business days.
How Do Arizona Medical Card Renewals Work?
In Arizona, medical marijuana cardholders need to renew their cards every two years. Renewal always involves a re-evaluation which can be conveniently done through NuggMD Arizona. That's regardless of where you got your original evaluation.
When your re-evaluation is complete, you'll renew your card through the Arizona Department of Health website. That involves completing the renewal application and paying the $150 renewal fee.
When you use NuggMD, expect convenient email reminders for when it's time to renew. It'll make it easier for you to stay on top of your renewal schedule.
Who Qualifies for an Arizona Medical Card?
To qualify for an Arizona medical card, one must have a qualifying condition and be an AZ resident.
Patients under 18 with a qualifying condition must have a custodial parent or legal guardian designated as their caregiver. Caregivers aren’t allowed to consume their patient’s cannabis, but they can potentially qualify as patients themselves.
Be sure to check the state’s medical cannabis program for further qualifications if you’re unsure if you’d qualify. Or get started with NuggMD Arizona today and our team can help answer your questions.
What Are the Qualifying Conditions to Get an AZ Med Card?
The state offers a readily-available list of qualifying conditions to get an AZ med card. Qualifying conditions include:
- AIDS/HIV
- Alzheimer’s
- ALS
- Cancer
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- PTSD
- Seizures including epilepsy characteristic
- Severe and chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis
Read about Arizona’s qualifying conditions for medical cannabis to learn more.
How to Find a Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor for an MMJ Evaluation
Finding a physician knowledgeable and open to recommending cannabis can be challenging. There's still reluctance within the medical community regarding its prescription and legal status.
NuggMD works with state-licensed medical marijuana doctors in Arizona who perform honest evaluations of your condition, helping you decide if cannabis is worth trying.
It’s best to have medical records on hand for the evaluation to ensure you receive an adequate, thorough assessment. These may include:
- Patient charts
- Current prescriptions
- Physical therapy records
- Medical test results
- Hospital records
Visit NuggMD Arizona to get an evaluation in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Our state-licensed medical cannabis doctors provide honest assessments to help determine if cannabis is a suitable option.
Get Your Medical Cannabis Recommendation Online: The NuggMD Process
It’s easy to see a qualified medical marijuana doctor with NuggMD. Our service helps simplify the evaluation process. Here’s what you do.
- Meet with a physician through our telehealth platform. Visit NuggMD Arizona and complete the short, 30-second, confidential questionnaire. In as little as 15 minutes, we’ll connect you with a state-certified doctor via NuggMD’s HIPAA-compliant, secure video chat platform.
- Get approved. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive an email prompting you to visit the Arizona Department of Health website to complete your application and submit it to the state.
- Receive your Arizona medical card via email. With an electronic system, there’s no need to wait around for paper mail to arrive. You can typically expect an email with your med card within 10 business days after submitting your application to the state.
What to Expect When Talking to an AZ Medical Marijuana Doctor Near You on NuggMD
Your NuggMD physician will inquire about your current medications and treatments. You'll upload your medical records to provide them with your medical history. Your practitioner may request additional medical records to approve you.
To make the most of your evaluation, jot down any questions you may have beforehand. You can do so in our virtual waiting room before your meeting. NuggMD's doctors are more than happy to take the time to educate you about all things cannabis. That includes the plant's potential benefits and risks associated with treatment options.
What Types of Cannabis Products Are Available in Arizona?
At this time, Arizona allows all common types of cannabis products. That means flower, concentrates, and a range of edibles are all available in Arizona.
What Does Marijuana Feel Like?
Cannabis consumers often report feeling uplifted and more relaxed after consuming cannabis. The specific effects vary depending on the strain, though. Common effects include:
- Decreased energy, AKA the "couch lock" high.
- Giggles.
- An altered perception of time.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Relaxation.
- Temporary memory loss.
Sometimes, though, patients may consume "too much" for their individual physiology. That can cause a "bad trip," in a sense. Negative reactions include paranoia, nausea, vomiting, and even psychosis in rare cases.
These potential negative responses are why it's best to start low and go slow with your dosage. Gradually increase as you need to — not before! Effects can vary widely among consumers, so patience and careful dosing are essential.
What If My Dose Is Too High?
It’s not uncommon for patients to realize they have too strong of a dose when they first start using cannabis. Everyone metabolizes the plant differently, so your individual reaction will be unique. Fortunately, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
If your dose is too high, contact your medical cannabis doctor. Let them know the dose is too high and ask for guidance on how to adjust your dosage. In the meantime, use some tried-and-true strategies to help you sober up.
Have More Questions About How to Get Your Med Card in Arizona?
Learn how to get a medical card in Arizona in minutes through NuggMD. Explore Arizona’s cannabis laws and regulations, or browse our extensive list of patient resources:
- Arizona Patient FAQs
- Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Arizona
- Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona
- How to Become a Caregiver in Arizona
Our expert customer service team can help you demystify the process or answer any lingering questions. There’s a reason we’ve already helped over two million patients and counting. And we’re ready to help you, too! Our friendly, informed team of professionals can help you understand the Arizona medical cannabis program and how to get a medical card in the state.
