Recreational marijuana is legal in Arizona, but cannabis is not just for relaxing. Many patients use it for medicinal purposes.
Whether you’re a first-time medical cannabis patient or a current one interested in renewal, continue reading for an in-depth look into the process of getting a medical marijuana (MMJ) recommendation — and finding medical marijuana doctors — in Arizona.
Before applying for a recommendation to use cannabis legally for medicinal reasons, an appointment with a qualified doctor or physician is necessary.
Marijuana Doctors is a trusted network of medical cannabis doctors who provide evaluations for MMJ recommendations and cards in states where marijuana is legalized for medicinal or recreational use.
Use our Find a Doctor Locator to connect with a certified MMJ-friendly doctor in your area.
The purpose of this appointment is for the doctor to evaluate the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and diagnosis and discuss potential benefits and risks that medical cannabis use may pose to their health and wellness. MMJ recommendation approval is contingent on the physician’s recommendation.
These consultations can happen in person or online. The doctor will review your medical records and evaluate the condition you’re seeking treatment for. At the end of the appointment, they’ll make a recommendation as to whether or not they believe you could benefit from MMJ.
Currently, the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) approves MMJ recommendation applications for patients with at least one of the following qualifying medical conditions.
Bear in mind that many medical cannabis patients experience severe or chronic pain from underlying issues that may or may not be connected to a qualifying condition. If you suffer from symptoms associated with any of the medical ailments listed above, you should consider seeing a medical cannabis physician for an evaluation.
Another caveat in Arizona’s medical marijuana program is that residents and physicians can petition the Department of Health to add new diseases, symptoms, or ailments to the qualifying list of approved conditions for medical cannabis use.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring to your MMJ evaluation:
Anyone with old or outdated medical records should see their primary physician first for an updated diagnosis and appropriate medical documentation.
Due to licensing and professional regulations, many MMJ recommendation doctors do not provide recommendations for diagnoses older than one year.
Sadly, not everyone has a copy of their medical records on hand when getting ready to apply for an MMJ card. Fortunately, many clinics and healthcare providers offer general medical services, which provide access to a primary physician or general practitioner for patients to see for a formal or updated diagnosis.
Anyone who believes they may have one or multiple qualifying conditions but does not have a formal diagnosis should prepare to undergo additional diagnostics before their primary doctor or specialist can confirm and update their medical records.
Many severe medical conditions take time to diagnose, which is why we encourage anyone interested in getting a medical recommendation for cannabis to start the process at their earliest convenience.
Patients must be 18 years or older to get a medical cannabis recommendation. Individuals under the age of 18 can qualify if a custodial parent or legal guardian who’s at least 21 years old registers as their caregiver.
It is unlawful for minors to use cannabis recreationally.
For Arizona residents, the application fee for a medical marijuana card is $150. This is an annual fee that is required upon renewal. This does not include any doctor or physician-related fees for the medical evaluation needed for approval.
Interested individuals should be prepared to pay up to $300 or more for a physician’s recommendation and their medical card. Designated caregivers must pay a $200 application fee for their medical marijuana cards.
Of course, patients who apply or renew via Marijuana Doctors website have lower application and renewal costs. Our service is an affordable and cost-effective safety net for many medical marijuana patients.
We advise patients to play it safe and renew their cards several weeks before the expiration date to avoid processing or unexpected delays in their MMJ treatment regimens.
Though getting a recommendation to freely use cannabis to treat your symptoms and ailments is a relatively straightforward process, we understand how intimidating or slightly confusing it may seem. It’s okay; we’re here to help.
Please take a moment or two to review some frequently asked questions we receive from MMJ patients in Arizona.
Arizona doesn’t require adult patients to have caregivers for MMJ recommendations. They can designate a trusted person who meets Arizona’s caregiver requirements, or they can remain caregiver free.
However, anyone under 18 years old must have a custodial parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old as a caregiver.
Patients can amend their caregiver preferences with AZDHS any time they like, as long as they follow AZDHS caregiver regulations.
At Marijuana Doctors, patients can legally add caregivers when they sign up. Patients can also add or change caregivers when they renew their MMJ recommendations.
Don’t panic if you need to replace your missing or stolen MMJ recommendation. All it takes is a few moments to apply for a replacement AZ MMJ card.
Visit the AZDHS Individual Licensing Portal to create an account or log in to report your card as lost or stolen. You’ll need to know your MMJ recommendation card identification number to do this. You can also contact them directly by email at M2programsupport@azdhs.gov if you don’t have that information.
Renewing an Arizona Medical Marijuana Card is quick and easy. Simply log in to your AZDHS account to upload a copy of your current legal identification card, your expiring MMJ recommendation card, and medical documents that support the condition you’re qualifying for.
A recent photo is also necessary to replace the current one on the expiring card. Then request an appointment when it’s convenient for you to meet with a medical marijuana doctor to complete the renewal process.
Due to recent changes implemented by the state, all medical marijuana patients must provide a recent photo of themselves that is no older than 60 days before the date they are applying for renewal.
Qualifying patients can use their MMJ recommendations at any state-licensed dispensary in the state.
As of June 2023, Arizona is home to 143 operational medical marijuana dispensaries where approved cardholders can purchase cannabis edibles, THC concentrates, and other products.
Finding a dispensary is fast and easy with our convenient locator. Click here to view Arizona dispensaries near you.
Marijuana Doctors is a trusted and leading medical marijuana platform that specializes in being a one-stop source for MMJ recommendations, dispensaries, and more. Getting a recommendation for MMJ is easy, convenient, discrete, and fast with Marijuana Doctors.
Simply submit a copy of your most recent medical records to us online to speak with one of our qualified MMJ doctors and receive approval for a legal cannabis recommendation, sometimes on the very same day.
Most patients receive their digital recommendation card within 7-10 business days, though many MMJ patients who utilize our recommendation services receive their digital cards from the state much sooner. Many Arizona residents use our process because it’s much smoother and faster than going directly through the state’s website.
Click here to apply for a medical marijuana card today!
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