By: Brianna Delpech
Are you thinking about getting a medical marijuana card in Alaska? In 1975, Alaska became the second American state to decriminalize cannabis, with the Ravin vs. State case ruling that an adult can possess a small amount of weed in the comfort of their own home.
In 1998, Measure 8, also known as Alaska Medical Marijuana Initiative, was voted into act that would allow medical patients to use cannabis for treatment of debilitating conditions.
A re-criminalization act was introduced in 2006, but then was decriminalized again in 2014, making marijuana-use by adults legal.
Today, residents of Alaska, if 21+ years of age, are allowed to possess up to an ounce of weed and grow a maximum of six plants at home.
How to apply for a medical marijuana card in Alaska
As mentioned above, applying for a medical marijuana card in Alaska is not all that tedious.
What you’ll need to apply for your medical marijuana card (pulled straight from application form)
“A statement signed by the patient’s physician stating that the physician personally examined the patient and that the examination took place in the context of a bona fide physician-patient relationship and setting out the date the examination occurred;
stating that the patient has been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition;
stating that the physician has considered other approved medications and treatments that might provide relief, that are reasonably available to the patient, and that can be tolerated by the patient, and that the physician has concluded that the patient might benefit from the medical use of marijuana a sworn application on a form provided by the department containing the following information:
The name, address, date of birth, and Alaska driver’s license or identification card number of the patient; the name, address, and telephone number of the patient’s physician; the name, address, date of birth, and Alaska driver’s license or identification card number of the patient’s primary caregiver and alternate caregiver if either is designated at the time of application
if the patient is a minor, a statement by the minor’s parent or guardian that the patient’s physician has explained the possible risks and benefits of medical use of marijuana and that the parent or guardian consents to serve as the primary caregiver for the patient and to control the acquisition, possession, dosage, and frequency of use of marijuana by the patient.”
What are the steps in the application process?
Step one: Schedule an appointment with a physician in Alaska, it is required that you see a doctor that has personally examined you within the previous 16 months.
Once all questions are asked and a physical examination is performed, if the physician approves that you are a good candidate for medical marijuana, they will need to provide a signed physician’s statement, which should state: that the physician personally examined the patient and that the examination took place in the context of a bona fide physician-patient relationship and setting out the date the examination occurred;
that the patient has been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition; that the physician has considered other approved medications and treatments that might provide relief, that are reasonably available to the patient, and that can be tolerated by the patient, and that the physician has concluded that the patient might benefit from the medical use of marijuana
Step two: Register with the MMJ Program by Completing & Sending in Your Application- When filling in the form, you must include your name, mailing address, date of birth, and a photo ID. The MMR only accepts a state driver’s license or state ID card number. After you have finished your application, send it to the following address:
Health Analytics and Vital Records
Medical Marijuana Registry
PO Box 110699
Juneau, AK 99811-0699
Make sure you submit everything in a single envelope.
An application fee of $25 for the original request, or $20 fee if it is for a renewal.
Step 3: Wait for your Card- It usually takes a maximum of five weeks to process an application, so be patient! If you are approved, you should receive your card in the mail.
Your card is valid for an entire year, and all documents must be renewed thereafter. Meaning, after a year, you must get another note from your physician signing off on your need for medical marijuana.
However, if your application is denied, you will not be able to apply again for at least six months.
What are the qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Alaska?
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Severe pain
- Seizures
- Severe nausea
- Cachexia/Wasting syndrome
- Persistent muscle spasms
- Multiple sclerosis
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Brianna Delpech is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.