By: Maria Ny
Arizona residents with qualifying medical conditions are better off using marijuana medically than recreationally because they are afforded additional legal protections under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA) not available to recreational users.
But it’s not enough to simply qualify, you also need to know how to get a medical marijuana card (known as the “MMJ card”, “green card” or “license”).
How to apply for a medical marijuana card in Arizona
To apply for a medical marijuana card, you must create an account and apply online on the Arizona Department of Health Services website.
Be sure to download and read the adult patient instructions and refer to the Adult Patient Application Checklist for all the documentation you need, including additional instructions about them (e.g., accepted formats, etc.).
What you’ll need to apply for your medical marijuana card
- A current photo of yourself not more than 60 days old before submission of the application that measures 2 inches by 2 inches in size (See Arizona Department of Health Services Adult Patient Application checklist for additional photo requirements).
- A copy of your:
-Arizona driver’s license issued on or after October 1, 1996, OR
-Arizona identification card issued on or after October 1, 1996, OR
-Arizona registry identification card, OR
-Photograph page in your U.S. passport, OR
-An Arizona driver’s license or identification card issued before October 1, 1996 AND one of the following:
*Birth certificate verifying U.S. citizenship
*U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
*U.S. Certificate of Citizenship - Medical records including medical records from other treating physicians from the previous 12 months, the qualifying patient’s responses to conventional medications and medical therapies. This must be submitted to your medical marijuana doctor for his/her review in order to make a recommendation.
- Medical Marijuana Patient Attestation Form which confirms the information being submitted is true.
- Physician Certification Form that your physician needs to complete. Arizona Department of Health Services accepts certifications from the following types of medical doctor: MD, DO, NMD/ND and MD(H) DO(H).
- For patients participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you will also need to provide a copy of your eligibility notice or an electronic benefits transfer card.
- A valid and current Visa or MasterCard credit card for payment. If you don’t have one, a credit card, debit card or pre-paid card will also be accepted.
All the above-listed forms will need to be uploaded to the Arizona Department of Health Services website with your application, with the exception of your medical record.
That stays with your medical marijuana physician. Be sure you have all the necessary documentation listed on the Arizona Department of Health Services Adult Patient Application checklist before applying for your MMJ card.
What are the steps in the application process?
Step One: Create an account with the ADHS Individual Licensing Portal. Follow the prompts to complete the online application.
After completing your application, upload your documents. Be sure all information is completed and all your documents are uploaded.
Step Two: Use your credit card or other acceptable payment method to pay your non-refundable application fee.
Step Three: After making your payment, click/tap “Continue” to return to the ADHS online system to print out your completed application.
It’s a good idea to print it because you will need the application number and submission date for the system to find your application later on.
Step Four: ADHS will review your application and send you an automatically generated email indicating your approval or let you know if more information is needed.
If more information is needed or your application has deficiencies, you will receive an email with instructions on how to correct and resubmit your application.
Once you’re approved, ADHS will mail your registry identification to you at the address you provided on your application.
Children Under 18
Find out how to apply for an MMJ card for your child if he/she is a qualifying patient.
Designated Caregivers
If you have a designated caregiver, he/she must apply with the ADHS Online Portal and submit fingerprints.
Your caregiver will need your Patient Application ID, full name and date of birth to complete the application.
Here’s where your caretaker can get the list of requirements and application instructions he/she needs.
What are the qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Arizona?
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain (including arthritis, migraines, etc.)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Seizures (including those characteristics of Epilepsy)
- Severe and Chronic Pain
- Severe Nausea
- Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasms (including those characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Maria Ny is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.