What Are The Qualifications For Getting A Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona?

In 2010, Arizona passed the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, which legalized the use of cannabis flower and its derivatives as a treatment for various medical conditions. Ten years later, they legalized the recreational use of marijuana for people 21 years or older. However, there are still many advantages that make having an Arizona Medical Marijuana Card useful for patients seeking treatment. Listed below are the benefits and qualifications necessary to apply for an AZMMJ Card. As well as the easy-to-follow steps you need to take to obtain one.

The Benefits of Having an AZMMJ Card

While the recreational use of marijuana is now legal in Arizona, there are still several reasons why having a medical marijuana card is beneficial. For starters, the legal age to use marijuana recreationally is 21, but if you have a qualifying medical condition, you can obtain an MMJ Card at 18. Those who need medical marijuana under the age of 18 can apply for the card with written consent from their legal guardians.

People with MMJ cards are allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana. The recreational amount is only 1.5oz.

MMJ cardholders can buy from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries that carry higher quality and more potent cannabis products.

If they live 25 miles from the nearest dispensary, MMJ cardholders can cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants themselves.

Cardholders do not need to pay the 16% state excise tax on marijuana products, and medical marijuana expenses are tax deductible.

Employees with MMJ cards are protected from being unlawfully dismissed from their jobs for testing positive for marijuana use.

In certain areas of Arizona, recreational marijuana has not yet been legalized; the only option is to obtain an MMJ card.

Despite the initial cost of a medical marijuana card, it will save you money in the long run, especially if you need to consume higher quantities for treatment on a regular basis. The tax write-offs and employee protection clauses are highly beneficial. Individuals who receive professional care are able to send their caretakers to pick up their medical marijuana supplies for them with written consent.

How To Qualify For An AZMMJ Card

To be eligible for an Arizona Medical Marijuana card, you need proof of Arizona residency and a photo id. Either a state driver’s license, ID, or passport. You must also prove that you suffer from one of the following medical conditions.

• Agitation caused by Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Extreme nausea
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Glaucoma
• Crohn's disease
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
• AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
• Hepatitis C
• Severe or recurring muscle spasms (related to Multiple Sclerosis)
• Seizures or Epilepsy
• A debilitating or chronic medical condition or disease
• Wasting Syndrome (Cachexia)

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of treating these symptoms, conditions, and diseases with medical marijuana. Treatment can be administered by smoking the plant's flower, vaping concentrated oil, eating it, drinking tinctures, or applying topical creams, sprays, and ointments. Employees of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries can assist you in deciding on which form of treatment best suits your needs and conditions.

For those concerned with the psychoactive properties of THC, there are now several strains of cannabis where the THC has been bred out of the plant, leaving only the beneficial cannabinoids such as CBD. There are also many types of edibles, tinctures, vapes, and topicals made from CBD distillate, which means you will not be mentally impaired while using them.

The 4 Steps To Getting an AZMMJ Card

1. The first thing you must do once you know you’re eligible for a card is to search for an Arizona medical marijuana doctor and schedule an appointment. Many online resources can help you locate a doctor and facilitate the marijuana card process.
2. Attend the appointment and obtain your written Arizona DHS medical marijuana certification from your doctor.
3. Go online to the AZDHS individual licensing portal, submit the following documents, and pay the $150 fee.

• Copy of photo id
• A current photo
• Your physician certification, completed and signed by the doctor
• A completed Patient Attestation form signed by you
• SNAP card and supporting documentation if applicable

4. Wait 1-5 business days for your application to be processed. Once approved you’ll receive an email with your official digital AZMMJ card inside.

Your Arizona Medical Marijuana card will be valid for two years. After that, you’ll need to repeat the process in order to renew it. Doctors may charge between $75-$150 for the appointment.

Obtaining an Arizona Medical Marijuana card gives you access to multiple benefits and allows you to save on the medical treatment that you need. It’s a fast and easy process to qualify. Just follow these simple steps. As soon as you receive your digital MMJ card, you’ll be able to acquire stronger, higher-quality medicine while saving money at the same time. As well as protect yourself from workplace discrimination. Go online and get qualified today.