Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Medical Marijuana in Arizona
If you’re new to medical marijuana in Arizona — or even if you’re more experienced — you likely have some questions about it. We’ve gathered all the most common questions we hear about medical marijuana in this helpful resource. Read on to have all your questions answered.
Q: How Do You Get a Medical Marijuana Card in AZ?
A: First, you must have a qualifying condition such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, a chronic or debilitating disease such as chronic pain (arthritis and migraine headaches), wasting syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seizures, or multiple sclerosis.
You must also have a legal driver’s license in the state of AZ and a residential address in the state of AZ. Lastly, you must have had an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor, who will need to approve you for a card and submit the proper documents to the department of health for you. If the doctor does not submit the paperwork for you, you can apply for yourself online.
Q: Where Do I Apply for a Patient or Caregiver Medical Marijuana Registry Identification Card in Arizona?
A: You can apply for a medical marijuana registry ID card online. Log in or set up an account by providing your email address and password using the ADHS Individual Licensing Portal.
Q: Does It Cost Money to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in AZ?
A: There are two fees to obtain a medical marijuana card in AZ. The first is $150 for the card which expires after 2 years. It only costs $75 if you are on food stamps. The second fee is $75-$150 for the doctor’s appointment that is required to obtain a new card and to renew a card after the expiration date.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Your MMJ Card in AZ?
A: The state of Arizona has up to 5 business days to process your medical marijuana card. However, some patients report receiving their cards in as little time as the very same day. The amount of time it takes to process your card is directly related to how many other people are waiting as well. Processing is completed in the order the applications are received.
Q: Is There a Qualifying Age to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in AZ?
A: Yes, you must be at least 18 years old or have a legal guardian listed as your caregiver if under the age of 18 years old.
Q: How Do I Find a Medical Marijuana Doctor in AZ?
A: Click here to find a medical marijuana doctor or certification center.
Q: Should I Create a New Portal Account if I Have a Current Medical Marijuana Registry ID Card?
A: Do NOT create a new portal account if you have an existing medical marijuana registry identification card.
Q: Does Having a Medical Card Show Up on a Background Check AZ?
A: All health-care related information in the United States is protected under the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (also known as HIPAA) which prevents a background check from picking up this confidential medically related personal information.
However, to say it absolutely would not be found while running a background check may not be completely true. It ultimately depends on the type of background check that is performed by your employer. It wouldn’t show up in an official capacity, but if someone wants to find out more about you, they can use an alternative background check service to do so.
Q: Does My Medical Marijuana Card Show Up on a Federal Background Check?
A: A medical marijuana card will not show up on a Federal background check, however, keep in mind a Federal background check will reveal any criminal record you have on file. This means if you were convicted of possession of marijuana, you may run into problems getting hired.
Q: Can You Get Fired for Having a Medical Card in Arizona?
A: An employer cannot penalize or fire an employee for having a medical marijuana card or for testing positive on a marijuana detecting drug test, unless the employee is using, possesses, or is impaired by marijuana during work hours. This also applies to being on the premises of work even if you are not technically on the clock.
Q: Can You Own a Gun and Have a Medical Card in Arizona 2020?
A: A user of medical marijuana is prohibited under federal law to purchase or possess a gun or any firearms, this goes for ammunition as well. Although likely a rare scenario, a person who has a medical marijuana card but does not use marijuana, is lawfully allowed to purchase and possess a gun.
Q: Can You Grow Your Own Cannabis in AZ?
A: It is legal to grow your own marijuana if you are over the age of 21. Up to 6 plants can be grown at a time. If there is more than one adult in the home that has a medical marijuana card, then a maximum of 12 plants can be grown. Stipulations include that plants must be grown in a confined and secure area such as a room, shed, greenhouse, or another place that is out of public view.
Q: How Much Marijuana Can I Get at a Dispensary in AZ at a Time?
A: Under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, a resident of Arizona with a medical marijuana card is allowed to buy and possess 2.5 ounces every two weeks and no more than 12.5 grams in the form of cannabis concentrate.
Q: What Forms of Marijuana Are Available at Dispensaries in AZ?
A: Edibles, flowers, topicals, concentrates, and extracts are all available at dispensaries in AZ for purchase.
Q: Is Cannabis Product Testing Performed in AZ?
A: Yes. The health and safety of patients who use medical marijuana are a priority. Every step of the way, marijuana products are monitored and tested for safety and quality. From the growing process all the way through harvest, manufacturing, and dispensing, each step is carefully inspected and regulated with a specific set of policies and procedures.
Q: What Cannabis Strains Are Available at AZ Dispensaries?
A: There are three strains of marijuana available at dispensaries in AZ including Indica, Sativa, and hybrids.
Q: What if My Dispensary Does Not Carry the Strain I Am Looking for?
A: You can always talk to one of the patient assistants working at the dispensary and they may be able to have their cultivation team grow the strain you are looking for. It’s worth a try.
Q: Where Can I Use Medical Marijuana?
A: Medical marijuana, with the exception of edibles, is intended to be used in your home. Edibles are the only form that is allowed to be consumed in public.
Q: What Is the Individual Licensing Portal?
A: There are several things that the individual licensing portal can be used for, including tracking new and renewed licenses. You can also view, download and print your card electronically or view your allotment history.
Q: How Often Should I Check My Allotment History?
A: We suggest you check your allotment portal often. This allows you to identify if an error occurs. If you see an error, contact your dispensary as soon as possible. They are able to make corrections within 72 hours of your transaction. The Arizona Department of Health Services is not able to make corrections or address an error if it occurs. The dispensaries are the only ones with the authority to enter transaction information and make corrections if errors occur.
Q: Is There a Medical Marijuana Fact Sheet Available for Patients to View?
A: Yes, patients may access the Medical Marijuana Fact Sheet online.
Q: Can Medical Marijuana Be Used Recreationally?
A: No, medical marijuana is strictly for the use of qualified patients who are under a doctor’s care for one of the qualifying diagnoses or medical conditions. Recreational marijuana is legal in Arizona as of January 22, 2021, and can be purchased at the same dispensary. Some dispensaries provide two separate lines to keep the volume of the lines down.
Q: Can I Drive After Using Marijuana for Medical Purposes?
A: A driver cannot be penalized if driving under the influence of marijuana if they possess a medical marijuana card in Arizona. They can, however, be prosecuted if they are impaired when they are stopped by an officer.
Q: When Did Medical Marijuana Become Legal in the State of Arizona?
A: Medical marijuana has been legal in Arizona since 2010. Proposition 203 was approved by voters and the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA) began. The AMMA puts the authority and responsibility of regulating marijuana in the hands of the Arizona Department of Health Services.
MÜV Supports MMJ Patients in Arizona
If you need help getting a card, checking your medical marijuana balance or have a question about medical marijuana in AZ, please contact us today. Our professional Customer Care team can answer any questions you have and help point you in the right direction. We’re here to help! Reach out any time.
