Medical Marijuana Arizona Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about MMJ and how Elevate Holistics can help you obtain an MMJ card in minutes. Money back guaranteed.
Is Marijuana Legal in Arizona?
Yes, after years of attempting to legalize MMJ in the Copper State, Arizona finally legalized medical cannabis in 2010. However, the state didn’t see any actual medical cannabis sales until more than two years later, in December of 2012.
The Arizona Medical Marijuana Question legalized MMJ for residents with qualifying medical conditions. It outlined certain restrictions and named the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) as the overseer of the AZ medical cannabis program.
Is Recreational Weed Legal in AZ?
Recreational weed is also legal in Arizona. AZ weed became fully legal in 2020 with the passing of the Smart and Safe Act. This act legalized adult-use cannabis for those 21 years old and older. It also outlined possession and cultivation regulations for non-medical consumers.
Interestingly, residents saw access to AZ recreational marijuana faster than any other state yet. The ballot passed in November of 2020, and by January 2021, recreational sales began. (It’s almost as if the dispensaries had been waiting for this for years.)
Do You Need a Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona?
Now that adult-use cannabis is legal, you don’t technically need a medical card in Arizona anymore. However, if you are under the age of 21 and want to consume cannabis, you will need an AZ cannabis medical card.
Throughout the state, previously medical dispensaries have now opened their doors to recreational patients, as well. So, you don’t have to worry about walking into a medical-only dispensary in Arizona these days. But, if you do have a medical card, you should present it upon entering the dispensary, as some shops have priority or enhanced services for medical patients over recreational ones. Plus, taxes are quite lower for medical patients.
Where Can I Get My Medical Card in AZ?
You can get your AZ cannabis medical card in various places throughout the Grand Canyon State. If you’d prefer to get it in person, you can find numerous MMJ doctors in practically every city. However, for those who would prefer to do it online, you’re in luck.
Telemedicine platforms like ours allow medical patients to meet with qualified physicians over the phone or computer to help them receive their medical recommendations. While Elevate Holistics isn’t live in Arizona, our friends at Heally are. You can head over to their site to get started on receiving your AZ medical marijuana card recommendation.
How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Arizona?
So, how much is a medical card in AZ? Arizona MMJ cards will cost you $150, but they’re valid for two years.
Even though you have to pay this fee upfront, the card quickly pays for itself when looking at the money you’ll save on cannabis taxes. Recreational consumers are subject to a 16% sales tax on their purchases. Medical patients, on the other hand, only have to pay an additional 6.6% sales tax. We talk more about this down below.
What Are the Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in Arizona?
If you’re hoping to get an AZ cannabis card, you need to have at least one of the following qualifying medical conditions:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- PTSD
- A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition, or the treatment of a condition that includes/causes:
- Severe and chronic pain
- Seizures, including epilepsy
- Severe nausea
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including multiple sclerosis
In the event that your condition isn’t on the list, you can petition to have it added. Just click here to head to the ADHS website and state your claim. You still may be able to get your Arizona medical cannabis card.
How Often Do I Need to Renew My MMJ Card in Arizona?
In Arizona, medical marijuana card holders must renew their MMJ cards every 12 months in order to maintain full access to the program. The renewal process is fairly straightforward and begins with a recommendation from a certified physician.
The card holder must then submit an application through the state’s online portal and pay a fee. Once approved, the card will be valid for another full year. It’s important to note that medical marijuana card holders must also meet additional criteria in order to continue using medical marijuana. Patients must have at least one qualifying medical condition, such as cancer or chronic pain, and they must be under the care of a licensed doctor who has been approved by the state’s Medical Marijuana Program.
Renewing your medical marijuana card is key to maintaining access to Arizona’s program, so it’s essential that patients remember when their cards are due for renewal and make sure to complete the process on time.
How Many Plants Can You Grow in Arizona?
Wondering how to grow marijuana legally in Arizona? Thankfully, at-home cultivation is legal for both patients and those 21 years old and older. However, you have to follow strict regulations in order to stay on the right side of the law.
Medical patients are allowed to grow up to 12 plants at home per patient. When growing, you must ensure that your plants are kept in a locked, enclosed space that the public cannot see or have access to.
Non-medical patients can cultivate up to six plants in their homes. If there are two adults in the home who want to cultivate cannabis, then the most you can have in the residence at once is 12 plants — six per person. Once again, these plants cannot be in the view of the public or easily accessible to outsiders or those under the age of 21.
How Many Plants Can a Caregiver Grow in Arizona?
Registered AZ cannabis caregivers are also allowed to cultivate up to 12 plants. As you may have guessed, caregivers have to store the cannabis in locked, enclosed places inaccessible to the public.
Where Can You Buy Recreational Weed in Arizona?
You can purchase AZ recreational marijuana at dispensaries all throughout Arizona. Try searching by your closest major city and see what pops up. But, you may be surprised by how many dispensaries are in less populated areas like Cottonwood and Black Canyon City.
Which Dispensaries Are Recreational in Arizona?
When Arizona legalized recreational cannabis, most dispensaries decided to serve both consumer types. You will rarely come across dispensaries that are medical-only; if you do, they will make it clear upon entering that you need an AZ cannabis card.
If you’re looking for a list of recreational dispensaries in Arizona, you can click here. But, here is our favorite recreational dispensary Arizona list:
High Mountain Health – Flagstaff, AZ
Deli-style flower, high-quality buds, incredible customer service, donates profits to a new charity every month.
Website – https://highmountainhealth.org/
Phone Number – (928) 774-5467
Curaleaf Dispensary – Youngtown, AZ
Quiet location, knowledgeable and friendly budtenders, high-quality products, great prices, and deals.
Website – https://curaleaf.com/dispensary/arizona/curaleaf-dispensary-youngtown/info
Phone Number – (623) 444-5977
The Mint – Phoenix, AZ
Arizona’s largest dispensary, home to the Mint Cafe — the country’s first cannabis-infused kitchen.
Website – https://mintdeals.com/phoenix-menu/
Phone Number – (480) 749-6468
Is Medical Marijuana Taxed in Arizona?
Yes, medical marijuana is taxed in Arizona. However, it’s not nearly as heavily taxed as recreational cannabis. Medical cannabis patients have to pay a sales tax of 6.6%. Some cities may include an additional 2 – 3% tax on top of that depending on the location. If you cannot afford this, you can find a non-profit dispensary! These shops offer discounts for those that need them.
AZ recreational cannabis is subject to a hefty 16% sales tax. It doesn’t matter where you shop, this sales tax comes with all adult-use cannabis purchases. So, you have to make sure you factor this in when you go make a recreational buy. Simply put, having a medical marijuana card is going to save you a lot of money in the Grand Canyon State.
