Get your Arizona Medical Marijuana Card Online

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that causes memory loss and cognitive impairment. Dementia refers to a loss of cognitive abilities, problems with remembering, and struggles with daily life and activities. Dementia isn’t considered a normal part of aging, even though many older adults do experience symptoms.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that gets worse with time. Alzheimer’s may start out with some mild memory loss, and in later stages it can become difficult for the patient to communicate and function.

No approved cures for Alzheimer’s currently exist, but there are options to treat the symptoms. Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors are typically prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs may help reduce some symptoms and help control some behavioral symptoms. 

How Might Cannabis Help? 

When you use cannabis, cannabinoids make their way to the bloodstream attaching themselves to the endocannabinoid system’s (ECS) cannabinoid receptors, CB1, and CB2. In the brain, these receptors are concentrated in neurons associated with memory, thinking, and coordination. Research suggests that when THC binds to the CB receptors, it may affect aging brains. Its apparent ability to help the body remove amyloid-beta accumulation is massive news for Alzheimer’s patients. Cannabis, or is thought to have the ability to remove clumps of amyloid-beta protein (a toxic component that builds up like a plaque in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients) from the brain. 

According to current research, medical marijuana may play a part in disrupting the neurodegenerative process that drives the disease’s progression. A 2019 review of current research on dementia aimed to understand current trends. The study summarized findings that the CBD components of cannabis might be useful to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s. CBD is suspected to be able to suppress the main causal factors of Alzheimer’s. Research further suggested that using CBD and THC together could be more useful than using CBD or THC alone (entourage effect).

In another recent study by the National Library of Medicine, researchers found that CBD has potential as a therapy to help curb cognitive decline and alleviate some Alzheimer’s symptoms. They looked at the protein interleukin 33 (IL-33) and found that at high levels, it has been linked to beta-amyloid buildup, a biomarker of Alzheimer’s. The TREM-2 protein, encoded by the TREM-2 gene, is also linked to the neurodegenerative disease. Certain mutations in TREM2 strongly increase risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s. According to the study authors, research suggests that both the IL-33 and TREM-2 proteins are affected by CBD in a way that helps brain cell communication. 

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

AKA: Lou Gehrig’s Disease

This disease is a degenerative, neurological disease that attacks the central nervous system, which includes the brain and the spinal cord.  The cause of ALS is not fully understood but some research would point to a few origins including gene mutation, unusual immune responses and even chemical imbalance. Smoking or toxic environmental exposure may cause ALS symptoms to begin. The symptoms of ALS include fine and gross motor skill issues such as difficulty with walking, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing and increased risk of falling. ALS does not have a known cure.  

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with ALS?

Clinical evidence presented in 2004, 2010, and 2015 have shown that medical marijuana can reduce symptoms of ALS by stimulating appetite, reducing pain and relaxing muscles. In addition, the 2010 study showed Medical Marijuana to be a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. This means that it has neuroprotective results and may even prolong neuronal cell life span. 

Cachexia

AKA: Wasting Syndrome

Cachexia is a condition in which a patient will undergo excessive weight loss, muscle loss and fat loss.  This condition is often secondary to another disease like Anorexia, HIV/AIDS and cancer.  Cachexia can occur in elderly patients with no known underlying causes.  The effects of cachexia include inability to concentrate, fatigue, depression and overall diminished quality of life.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Cachexia?

The primary use of Medical Marijuana in treating Cachexia is its ability to stimulate appetite, resulting in increased caloric (food) intake.  It can also reduce vomiting and nausea and improve the effects of depression.  Higher THC strains of Medical Marijuana will tend to be the best options for treating patients with Cachexia. 

Cancer

Cancer can come in many forms and is characterized by abnormal cells developing and dividing in an uncontrolled manner in the human body.  Cancer can form almost anywhere in the body.  Cancer cells are invasive and continue to divide and increase in number.  Cancer can cause many symptoms from pain to changes in weight and fatigue.  Gene mutations are the cause of cancer.  Your family history and environmental factors will affect your chances of developing cancer. While some cancers can be cured, others can be fatal. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve a patient’s survival rate.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Cancer?

Studies in 2015 and 2016 found that CBD (a major chemical compound in Medical Marijuana) demonstrated an ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cells in animals. Medical marijuana is very effective at treating symptoms of cancer including alleviating fatigue, pain, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting and anxiety.  Furthermore, a 2012 study published in PubMed showed that conventional cancer treatment combined with cannabinoids (Chemical compounds in Medical Marijuana) had a synergistic effect against cancer and tumor cells.  This means that by combining conventional treatment with Medical Marijuana, patients may benefit more than from just conventional treatment alone. 

Chronic Pain

Pain or related symptoms lasting more than 3 months.

Any condition that results in pain, or related symptoms, that lasts more than 3 months may be considered a qualifying condition under chronic pain. The intensity of the pain as well as other symptoms resulting from the painful condition such as anxiety, depression and sleeplessness can be considered in the overall assessment by our physicians when conducting a patient interview. Furthermore, the cause of the chronic pain condition can be fairly broad and can include the following commonly encountered “head to toe” every day problems:

Headaches

Migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches

Neck Pain

Muscle strains, herniated disks, and arthritis related conditions

Shoulder Pain

Labral tears, rotator cuff injuries, arthritis related conditions

Chest Pain

Rib and muscle injuries, chronic pain secondary to pulmonary and respiratory issues, heartburn and acid reflux

Arms/Hands

Muscle or tendon injuries, prior broken bones, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, any type of arthritis, vascular disease and Reynaud’s Syndrome/Disease.

Abdominal Pain

Inflammatory bowel disease, hernias, prior organ injuries or surgeries involving the liver, spleen or kidneys, mesenteric ischemia, Herpes Zoster and shingles

Pelvic Pain: Male

Kidney stones, Varicoceles, Prostrate related pain, testicular pain, inguinal hernias, pelvic nerve compression and SI joint pain

Pelvic Pain: Female

Menstrual cramps, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis/Endometritis, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, pain during sexual intercourse, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, pelvic nerve compression and SI joint pain

Legs

Hip and Knee pain or prior injuries, muscle or tendon strains, pulls, or tears, any broken bones, vascular pain secondary to poor circulation, Charley horse and cramps that become painful while walking or at night, restless leg syndrome

Neurological

Peripheral or diabetic neuropathy, sciatica, shingles, Lyme’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy and Seizure disorders

Any Cancer or Surgical Related Pain

Any pain from cancer or surgical procedures

Foot and Ankle

Any type of tendon or bone injury, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injury, bunions, ankle sprains and strains, prior foot surgeries, burning pain secondary to diabetic neuropathy

How Medical Marijuana Helps Patients with Chronic Pain

Medical Marijuana helps to control or block the pain associated with the possible causes listed above. If you have one or more of these Chronic Pain conditions, you may qualify for treatment with medical marijuana.

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Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can result in permanent intestinal damage. Patients suffering from this disease can become malnourished due to an inability to properly absorb nutrients, digest food and eliminate waste. Patients can experience severe chronic pain due to the inflammation in the intestinal tract.  This can cause patients to lose their appetite and feel nauseous.  Crohn’s Disease can also result in patients developing other health issues like bowel obstructions, ulcers, fistulas, anal fissures and even colon cancer.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Crohn’s Disease?

Inflammatory Bowel diseases, including Crohn’s, and the effectiveness of medical marijuana to treat symptoms has been heavily researched with very positive results.  Dr. Jeff Hergenrather, M.D. published a paper in 2005 that many called groundbreaking.  The benefits of Medical Marijuana were numerous and included weight gain, improved appetite, and reduced vomiting, fatigue and depression as well as an overall increase in physical activity. In another study, “Cannabis induces a clinical response in patients with Crohn’s disease: a prospective placebo-controlled study,” patients were given an 8-week treatment of Medical Marijuana. Amazingly, 45% of the patients experienced complete remission of their Crohn’s disease.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that results in damage to the optic nerve causing vision loss.  Glaucoma can be broken down into two different types. Open-angle, which is the most common type, is caused when the drainage angle for fluid within the eye remains open.  This type of glaucoma happens over time and does not cause pain.  Peripheral vision will begin to decrease followed by central vision resulting in blindness if left untreated.  Closed-angle glaucoma can happen gradually or without warning. This type of glaucoma can cause severe pain, blurred vision, redness, dilated pupils and nausea. The risk factors include age, family history and prolonged steroid use.  Higher eye pressure has been shown to be connected to an increase in the tendency to develop glaucoma as well.  Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Glaucoma?

Several studies have shown smoking marijuana can result in a decrease in eye pressure.  This is precisely the purpose of prescription medications given to those who suffer from glaucoma.  This makes medical cannabis a wonderful adjunct to traditional medicine or useful in cases where patients cannot tolerate traditional treatment.  The studies have shown the decrease in eye pressure can last on average 3 to 4 hours.  Future studies are looking at the effectiveness of edible forms to reduce eye pressures for longer durations.  Even further down the road will be research to understand what elements of medical cannabis result in the reduction of eye pressure. 

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that infects the liver. When an individual is infected with Hepatitis C inflammation in the liver can occur. The body’s natural response is to activate the immune system. This unfortunately leads to our own immune system attacking healthy liver cells causing further liver damage. Hep C for short, is spread from blood-to-blood contact, the sharing of drug needles, the sharing of toothbrushes, and sex. Mothers can also pass along the infection to their babies during childbirth. While symptoms are not always noticeable at first or ever, chronic Hep C can lead to depression, chronic fatigue, yellow discoloration to the skin (jaundice), fluid buildup in the abdomen, bruising easily, and dark colored urine.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Hepatitis C?

While medical marijuana cannot treat Hepatitis C, it can be used as an adjunct to other prescribed therapies to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Medical Marijuana’s ability to improve mood, reduce pain, and stimulate activity can provide you with symptom relief.

A correlation exists between the use of medical marijuana and hepatitis C symptoms. Research suggests medical marijuana has therapeutic benefits if you’re suffering from HCV. Additionally, the medicine’s side effects are typically mild and classified as “low risk,” with euphoric mood changes among the most frequent.

Scientific and anecdotal evidence tell us medical marijuana is a safe, effective medicine that helps patients with Hepatitis C endure the side effects of treatment. Marijuana can help to alleviate side effects such as aches and pains, decreased appetite and nausea.

AIDS/HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a disease that can be treated but not cured.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a disease that can be treated but not cured. The disease attacks and destroys white blood cells known as T Cells that are needed to fight other diseases and infections.  The effect is a weakening of an infected person’s immune system.  This can cause someone with HIV to suffer from a variety of symptoms and medical conditions.  The current treatment for AIDS/HIV is Antiretroviral Therapy, also known as ART.  This can help slow and in some patients stop the progression of the disease. 

How can Medical Marijuana Help patients with HIV/AIDS?

Research from the University of Washington and the University of California concluded that the cannabinoids in medical marijuana may have immunological benefit by reducing the frequency of activated T Cells.  This in turn may reduce the patient’s risk of developing illnesses that can often complicate the health of HIV/AIDS patients. 

Multiple Sclerosis

A degenerative disease of the central nervous system

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Symptoms of MS vary in range from a single symptom to multiple symptoms and mild in intensity to severe. Symptoms can include pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors, inflammation, depression, loss of muscle coordination or bladder control.

MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the protective covering called myelin, that insulate nerve fibers. This myelin sheath enables the brain to communicate with the rest of the body by allowing electrical impulses to travel along the nerve fibers quickly and efficiently. When myelin is damaged, electrical impulses or communication from the brain to the body is slowed or blocked causing MS symptoms.

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How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Much of the data or research collected on the effects of medical marijuana on MS symptoms come from patient surveys, self-reported assessments and observational studies. Two active compounds found in medical marijuana that have been studied in the management of MS include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).  According to a study published in American Academy of Neurology among patients from the University of Rochester MS Center, results found majority of subjects found medical marijuana helpful in managing symptoms such as spasticity and pain.  The study also reported more than half the subjects felt their quality of life improved with the use of medical marijuana. Another promising study published in 2016 in European Neurology studied patients with treatment-resistant MS spasticity.  Real-life data from the study confirmed that adding THC:CBD oromucosal spray was an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for those patients.

Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome

A mental health disorder that develops after you experience a traumatic, life-threatening, or highly stressful event.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that develops after you experience a traumatic, life-threatening, or highly stressful event.  Examples include sexual assault, war, death of someone close, or a natural disaster.  This is an anxiety disorder that can make it difficult to function to have a “normal” life.  It can last from months to years effecting social relationships, the ability to work and carry out daily tasks like going to the grocery store.  Common symptoms include overwhelming feelings of fear, sadness, anger, hopelessness, or irritability, nightmares, negative outbursts, and being on guard. 

In PTSD, the part of the brain responsible for the “flight-or-fight” response, called the amygdala, becomes overactive. Its job is to heighten our senses to be ready to act during perceived threat.  Another part of the brain that assesses the threat and brings the “flight-or-fight” response down when there is no actual threat is called the prefrontal cortex, and it becomes under-active.

How can Medical Marijuana Help patients with PTSD?

Many patients have reported medical marijuana to help in PTSD. According to an article published by Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute at University of Washington, anecdotal and case-reports showed evidence marijuana decreased flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and hyperarousal in PTSD.  A recent trial showed canniboids, an active compound found in medical marijuana, lowered the amygdala’s response and increased the prefrontal cortex response to threat.  Other research has noted participants re-experienced the trauma decreased and had less avoidance of situations that reminded them of the trauma.  These continued reports make medical marijuana an effective treatment for PTSD.

Seizures

Seizures are classified as either nonepileptic or epileptic. When a seizure occurs two or more times, unprovoked by other health issues like blood clots, and spaced more than 24 hours apart, it’s often diagnosed as epilepsy.

Nausea is a feeling of being queasy which causes the sensation of wanting to vomit the contents of the stomach. The effects of nausea are exerted on the gastrointestinal system, but nausea is induced by the “vomiting center” located in the 4th ventricle of the brain, near the brain stem. The 4th ventricle of the brain contains the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Once stimulated, it creates a difficult to ignore, discomforting uneasiness in the stomach. The symptoms of nausea include weakness, sweating, a buildup of saliva in your mouth, and the urge to vomit. Nausea is always a symptom and not a disease in itself. if you feel nauseous, there is always an underlying cause. Nausea is a protective mechanism that your body uses to avoid stimuli it deems harmful, like a particular food, chemical, or situation.

The physiological causes of nausea are multi-factorial, as nausea is a common symptom of many diseases and conditions, as with many gastrointestinal disorders. Nausea may also be caused by medications, especially chemotherapy in cancer patients. 70% of women experience nausea called morning sickness during pregnancy, which usually eases during the second trimester. Cholecystitis caused by gall stones blocking the bile duct can cause nausea and projectile vomiting. Seasickness, for example, follows a very different pathway than morning sickness or food poisoning. The vestibular system in your internal ear controls nausea related to dizziness after a rollercoaster ride, while the vomiting center in your brain controls the nausea you experience due to a stomach virus, food allergy, or a noxious smell.

For the most part, chemical signals or alkaloid compounds that are released in response to a stimulus act directly on receptors located in the brain’s 4th ventricle. When these receptors are activated, nausea results. Nausea can also have a psychological cause. Anxiety and nervousness often produce nausea because they activate brain regions that are close to the vomiting center of the brain. In this case, the nausea is not caused by an external stimulus, but an internal stimulus – your state of mind.

How can Medical Marijuana Help Patients with Severe Nausea?

Marijuana has widely been utilized medicinally to treat/reduce nausea. A study titled Antiemetic Efficacy of Smoked Marijuana stated that “marijuana significantly reduced ratings of “queasiness” and slightly reduced the incidence of vomiting compared to placebo”**. Cannabinoids in the cannabis plant have also been shown to be effective against chemotherapy-induced nausea. Cannabis can have similar effects to traditionally utilized antiemetics without the some of the risks associated with prescribed nausea medications.

**Duber Medical does not endorse or recommend the smoking of cannabis for any reason as it may be hazardous to your health

Qualifying patients can begin applying for registry identification cards on April 14, 2011 on the website.

No, ADHS will only accept applications submitted online.

A qualifying patient, who has been diagnosed with one of the debilitating medical conditions will need to get a written certification from a physician (medical doctor, osteopath, naturopath, or homeopath licensed to practice in Arizona) with whom he/she has a physician-patient relationship. The written certification has to be on a form provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services (Department) within 90 days before submitting an application for a registry identification card. After obtaining the written certification from the physician, the qualifying patient can apply online for a registry identification card, after April 14, 2011.

PDF is the Adobe Portable Document Format used to store documents and pictures digitally. Some computers and software can save documents in PDF format. If you are unable or unsure whether you can save documents in PDF format, some businesses offer the service of converting or saving your documents and will provide them on a CD or memory card. Consult your local telephone or internet listing directory.

AFor a qualifying patient who is currently on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the cost of a registry identification card is reduced from $150 to $75.

If qualifying patients wish to apply for the reduced fee card, they must submit with their application a copy of an eligibility notice or electronic benefits transfer card that shows they are participating in the SNAP program with their application for a registry identification card.

• 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

State law allows a person to request the addition of other conditions to the list of debilitating medical conditions.

In January and July of each calendar year, the Department will accept written requests to add a medical condition to the list of the debilitating medical conditions. The requirements for completing a request to add a medical condition include:

• The name of the medical condition or the treatment of the medical condition the individual is requesting be added;
• A description of the symptoms and how they make it hard to do daily living activities. The availability of conventional medical treatments to provide therapy or comfort for the condition;
• A summary of the evidence that marijuana will provide therapy or comfort for the medical condition; and
• Articles, published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, reporting research on the effects of marijuana on the medical condition or the treatment of the medical condition supporting why the medical condition or the treatment of the medical condition should be added.

Allopathic (MD), Osteopathic (DO), Homeopathic [MD(H) or DO(H)], and Naturopathic [NMD or ND] physicians who have a physician-patient relationship with the patient may write certifications for medical marijuana. The physician must hold a valid Arizona license.

No, the Department does not provide referrals to or recommendations for any physician.

Yes, the ADHS certification form must be filled out completely and signed and initialed by the physician providing the written certification.

No, ADHS will only accept the physician’s certification on the ADHS form.

No, ADHS will only accept the physician’s certification on the ADHS form.

A qualifying patient is required to submit a written certification, filled out, signed, and dated by the recommending physician, on a form provided by the Department. On the form, the physician needs to specify the patient’s debilitating medical condition and state that the patient is likely to receive therapy or comfort from marijuana for the debilitating medical condition or its symptoms.

No, nothing in the statute requires a physician to write medical marijuana certifications for a patient.

The written certification given to a qualifying patient does not have to come from the physician diagnosing the qualifying patient’s debilitating condition or from the qualifying patient primary care provider. The written certification can be obtained from a different physician whom the qualifying patient has consulted about the qualifying patient’s medical use of marijuana. The physician providing the written certification must state that the physician has made or confirmed the qualifying patient’s debilitating condition and believes the qualifying patient is likely to receive therapy or comfort for the qualifying patient’s medical use of marijuana to treat or alleviate the qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition. In addition, the physician is required to state that the physician has undertaken specific activities that are part of establishing a physician-patient relationship.

The written certification given to a qualifying patient does not have to come from the physician diagnosing the qualifying patient’s debilitating condition or from the qualifying patient primary care provider. The written certification can be obtained from a different physician whom the qualifying patient has consulted about the qualifying patient’s medical use of marijuana. The physician providing the written certification must state that the physician has made or confirmed the qualifying patient’s debilitating condition and believes the qualifying patient is likely to receive therapy or comfort for the qualifying patient’s medical use of marijuana to treat or alleviate the qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition. In addition, the physician is required to state that the physician has undertaken specific activities that are part of establishing a physician-patient relationship.

After ADHS receives a complete application, ADHS will issue an electronic registry identification card to the patient within 5 working days.

The registry identification card will expire two years after the date it was issued. The qualifying patient must apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiration date. If a patient’s card must be replaced, the replacement card will have the same expiration date as the card it is replacing.

No, according to state law, the information that ADHS receives for the registry is confidential. It cannot be disclosed under the Arizona Open Records Law.

36-2801. Definitions

(Caution: 1998 Prop. 105 applies)

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. “Allowable amount of marijuana”

(a) With respect to a qualifying patient, the “allowable amount of marijuana” means:

(i) Two-and-one-half ounces of usable marijuana; and

(ii) If the qualifying patient’s registry identification card states that the qualifying patient is authorized to cultivate marijuana, twelve marijuana plants contained in an enclosed, locked facility except that the plants are not required to be in an enclosed, locked facility if the plants are being transported because the qualifying patient is moving.

According to the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, a qualifying patient may not consume medical marijuana at a dispensary but may eat medical marijuana in foods or use infused products at other locations. State law lists places where a qualifying patient may not smoke medical marijuana, including public places. A qualifying patient who lives in a nursing care institution, hospice, assisted living facility, or adult foster care home or who attends an adult day health care facility may also have to follow restrictions imposed by the facility.

No, a qualifying patient cannot drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.

The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act states that an employer will not be able to penalize a qualifying patient with a registry identification card for a positive drug test for marijuana, unless the patient used, possessed, or was impaired by marijuana on the employment premises or during hours of employment. If you are unsure how the Act applies to you, consult an attorney licensed to practice law in Arizona.

According to state law, a qualifying patient or the qualifying patient’s caregiver may be allowed to grow marijuana only if a dispensary is not operating within twenty-five (25) miles of the qualifying patient’s home.

You can grow marijuana outside if you are authorized to cultivate marijuana and you comply with the law, growing the marijuana in an enclosed, locked facility: a closet, room, greenhouse, or other enclosed area equipped with locks or other security devices that permit access only by a cardholder.

A qualifying patient or his or her designated caregiver can only be authorized to grow marijuana if the qualifying patient lives more than 25 miles from an operating dispensary. If a qualifying patient wishes to cultivate or have a caregiver cultivate, he or she should first check his/her address on the ADHS Medical Marijuana website. If the qualifying patient’s residential address is outside of 25 mile s of the nearest operating dispensary, the qualifying patient may select to request to cultivate on the qualifying patient application. If there is no dispensary within a 25 mile radius of the qualifying patient’s home, the Department will issue the qualifying patient or the related designated caregiver a registry identification card indicating authorization to grow marijuana.

If there is a dispensary within a 25 mile radius of the qualifying patient’s residential address, the card will be issued with the “Not Authorized to Cultivate” status. Additionally, when the application is approved, the Department will email the qualifying patient a list of all dispensaries. The registration identification card issued to the qualifying patient’s designated caregiver would also indicate that the designated caregiver is not authorized to grow marijuana.

Authorization to cultivate marijuana does not prevent a qualifying patient from purchasing medical marijuana from a dispensary. The qualifying patient authorized to grow who purchases medical marijuana from a dispensary is still required to abide by the limit of marijuana the qualifying patient is allowed to have in his/her possession.

The amount to be dispensed would not cause the registered qualifying patient to exceed the limit on obtaining no more than two-and-one-half ounces of marijuana during any fourteen-day period.

Qualifying patients can obtain medical marijuana from a dispensary, the qualifying patient’s designated caregiver, another qualifying patient, or, if authorized to cultivate, from home cultivation.

When a qualifying patient is issued a card and the approval email is sent, the Department will provide a list of all operating dispensaries to the qualifying patient.

As long as a dispensary is not operating within 25 miles of a qualifying patient’s home when the qualifying patient applies for a registry identification card, a patient or the designated caregiver may be authorized to cultivate.

Nothing will happen until a qualifying patient applies for renewal or makes certain changes to the registry identification card. When that happens, the Department will check to see if the qualifying patient’s address is within a 25 mile radius of the nearest dispensary. If the residence is within 25 miles of a dispensary, the qualifying patient will be issued a “Not Authorized to Cultivate” card, and the Department will email the qualifying patient a list of all dispensaries. The registry identification card issued to the qualifying patient’s designated caregiver would also indicate that the designated caregiver is not authorized to grow marijuana. If there is no dispensary within a 25 mile radius of the qualifying patient’s home, the Department may issue the qualifying patient or the designated caregiver a registry identification card indicating the authorization to grow marijuana if requested by the qualifying patient.

Unlike other medical marijuana programs, a qualifying patient in Arizona is not assigned to a particular dispensary and may purchase medical marijuana at any dispensary. This will allow the qualifying patient to shop for a dispensary offering the best price, most convenient hours of operation, strains of marijuana meeting the qualifying patient’s needs, other services the qualifying patient may want, or other factors important to the qualifying patient.

There is nothing in the statutes or rules that prevent a dispensary from delivering medical marijuana to a qualifying patient. However, the dispensary still has to comply with requirements for verification and recordkeeping specified in state law and rules. The dispensary also has to comply with restrictions imposed by cities or counties in local ordinances that may prevent the dispensary from delivering medical marijuana to qualifying patients.

A dispensary will owe state, county, and any applicable local retail transaction privilege tax (Arizona’s version of sales tax) on receipts from its sales of medical marijuana and any other products it may sell to consumers. As with any retail business, the dispensary is allowed to pass the amount of the tax on to its customers. Note that there is no additional or special tax on medical marijuana at this time.

The rules require labels containing specific information about where the marijuana came from, amount and strain, date of manufacture, a list of chemical additives, and other information to be attached to all products sold by dispensaries, including marijuana or products containing marijuana. The label on an edible product containing marijuana must also state the total weight of the product.

Yes, Arizona residents who have a written certification from Arizona physicians can obtain qualifying patient registry identification cards. State law requires background checks for prior “excluded felony offenses” designated caregivers and dispensary agents.

State law allows a visiting qualifying patient with a registry identification card or its equivalent, issued by the qualifying patient’s home state, to possess or use marijuana. However, a visiting patient is not authorized to obtain marijuana from a dispensary because the dispensary is required in statute to access a verification system before dispensing marijuana.

A qualifying patient must show Arizona residency by providing the Department with a copy of the qualifying patient’s Arizona driver’s license, Arizona identification card, Arizona registry identification card, or photograph page in the qualifying patient’s passport. The qualifying patient must also obtain a written certification from an Arizona physician. If a qualifying patient can comply with these requirements, the qualifying patient may obtain an Arizona registry identification card, regardless of whether the qualifying patient also has a medical marijuana card from another state.

No, a qualifying patient does not need to designate a caregiver; however, a patient may want help with the medical use of marijuana.

The designated caregiver can be anyone over 21-years-old who does not have an excluded felony offense and agrees to assist the qualifying patient with the medical use of marijuana. A designated caregiver does not have to be a home health aide or other professional caregiver.

A qualifying patient may designate only one person at a time to assist with the use of medical marijuana. This designation does not affect the ability of the qualifying patient to use other caregivers with the administration of other medications, activities of daily living, home health care, or other tasks.

The fees are listed in rules and include:

• $150 for an initial or a renewal registry identification card for a qualifying patient. Some qualifying patients may be eligible to pay $75 for initial and renewal cards if they currently participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
• $200 for an initial or a renewal registry identification card for a designated caregiver. A caregiver must apply for a new card for every patient under their care (up to five patients).
• $500 for an initial or a renewal registry identification card for a dispensary agent.
• $5,000 for an initial dispensary registration certificate.
• $1,000 for a renewal dispensary registration certificate.
• $2,500 to change the location of a dispensary or cultivation facility.
• $10 to amend, change, or replace a registry identification card.

The Arizona Department of Health Services does not offer advice about choosing a healthcare professional.

The Department cannot provide you with a list of physicians who are providing Medical Marijuana certificates to qualifying patients. The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, A.R.S. § 36-2810 (A.), states that information received and records kept by the Department for the purposes of administering the Act, including information submitted by qualifying patients regarding their physicians, are confidential.

If the qualifying patient makes a change to his or her card including change of address, change of cultivation request, or adding, replacing, or removing a designated caregiver, the qualifying patient’s address will be checked to determine if the address is within 25 miles of an operating dispensary.

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) considers a dispensary to be operational after ADHS has has issued an Approval to Operate Certificate and the dispensary is open and dispensing medical marijuana. After a dispensary is operating, a qualifying patient’s address will be checked to determine if the address is within 25 miles of an operating dispensary.

If you do not currently have an approved card, log into your individual licensing portal, and under the program selection, select “Add a new license” tile. Then select the “Marijuana” tile. Select “Application Status”. This will show you the Application History of submitted applications, as well as unsubmitted applications within 14 days of when they were created.

Retrieving Your Individual Application – Status Updates, Edits, Review