How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona
It might seem like, with recreational marijuana legal now, it’s not worth it to get your Medical Marijuana Card but that might not be the case for you. Having your Med Card allows you access to things that Recreational Patients might not get.
Medical Patients can purchase more product, in higher quantities. You can also take advantage of the delivery services that some dispensaries offer.
You can also save some money if you purchase with your Med Card. Medical marijuana is taxed at the rate of state sales tax, whereas recreational marijuana is subject to an additional 16% excise tax.
If you’re thinking about starting the process of getting your Med Card, don’t stress, we’re going walk you through what you need to do and give you the resources you need to make this process as smooth as possible.
Do you qualify for a Med Card?
Before you start looking into how to get your Med Card, you need to determine if you qualify for one.
First, you need to be 18 years or older. If you’re younger, you can have an approved Caregiver apply on your behalf. You will also need to be a permanent resident of Arizona at the time of application.
Then you will need to determine if you have a qualifying medical condition. The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) lists the following as qualifying conditions:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Hepatitis C
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
- A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or the treatment for a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that causes:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome;
- Severe and chronic pain;
- Severe nausea;
- Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy;
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis
Once you have determined if you hit that criteria you can start the process of getting your Med Card.
Get your Medical Marijuana Certification
Before you start filling out your application, you are going to want to get your Medical Marijuana Certification. This is official documentation from a licensed medical professional that certifies that you indeed have one of the above listed qualifying medical conditions.
These appointments will vary slightly from doctor to doctor but in general, you’re going to need your most recent medical records and some form of payment. The cost of these appointments can vary so make sure that you either check online or call the provider to confirm prices.
You also might need to print and bring with you the Medical Marijuana Physician Certification Form.
Make sure that you check with the office before your appointment, to make sure that you are bringing everything that they require for your appointment.
If you’re looking for a doctor to get your certification, check out one of the following places and see what’s right for you:
Fill out and submit your application
Once you have your Medical Marijuana Certification, you’re ready to begin your application process. There are a few things that you are going to want to have handy to make the application process go as smoothly as possible.
You are going to need a recent photograph of you (or the patient if you’re applying on behalf of someone) and a valid form of identification. You will also need your signed Medical Marijuana Patient Attestation form and the Medical Marijuana Physician Certification Form that has been completed and signed by a licensed physician.
You’re also going to need a credit or debit card to pay the application and registration fee of $150. Note: this is in addition to any payments you might have made for your certification appointment.
AZDHS has a thorough checklist on their website, which we recommend downloading and using during this process.
After you gather everything, you can start to fill out the application and upload all supporting documents online.
Once everything is filled out and uploaded and your payment has been made you are good to submit your application! As long as your application is complete and there are no issues, AZDHS should issue your registry identification card within 5 business days.
Get your card!
You did it! You’ve submitted your application, you’ve gotten approved and now you have your Med Card!!
You won’t get a physical card because, as of 2019, the state of Arizona requires that all cards be electronic, so make sure that you are able to access your digital card when you visit a dispensary. If you are unable to access your electronic card reliably, you are able to download and print your card to bring with you.
Please note that your card is valid for two years from the issue date and you need to make sure that you apply for renewal at least 30 days before it expires.
Having your Med Card allows you access so many more options than you would otherwise and it also gives you the most opportunities to help you feel the best that you can be.
No matter what you decide is best for you, Nature Med is here to help! Here is a link to our online menu and our specials page. Also check out our delivery page to see if that option is right for you.