On November 2, 2010, Proposition 203, also known as the Arizona Medical Marijuana act was legalized. It allows AZ residents with specific medical conditions to be treated with certain amounts of marijuana. The Arizona Department of Health Services is in charge of regulating the sale and use of medical cannabis. The Act allows qualified patients and caregivers to purchase marijuana from legal cannabis dispensaries. Under Proposition 203, patients are protected from legal persecution and employers are not allowed to discriminate against legally registered medical cannabis card holders.
In this article we will go into detail about the Medical Marijuana laws in AZ and show you if and how you can qualify.
The Arizona Medical Marijuana Program
The Arizona Medical Marijuana Program is available to AZ residents with certain medical conditions. Medical cannabis products are distributed by State approved dispensaries only. If you believe your medical condition qualifies, please discuss it with your doctor.
What conditions qualify for the Medical Marijuana Program in Arizona?
Patients in AZ diagnosed with one or more of the following medical conditions are allowed legal protection under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV / AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Severe and chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures, including epilepsy
- Severe or persistent muscle spams, including multiple sclerosis
- PTSD
Patients must have their medical records for at least the previous 12 months and provide them to the medical cannabis doctor. The medical records must include the diagnosis of the qualifying medical condition.
Will additional conditions be added to the list of qualifying conditions?
The ADHS accepts petitions to add new medical conditions to the list of qualified medical conditions for the Medical Marijuana Program in January and July of each year. ADHS also holds public hearings to gather public comments about the proposed additions to the list of qualifying medical conditions.
Where to find a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Arizona?
AZ law requires that the physician is licensed in AZ. There are licensed Medical Marijuana doctors throughout the whole state of AZ, so you’ll likely find a doctor close to where you are located.
Where are the illegal cannabis dispensaries in Arizona located
Legal cannabis dispensaries are located all over Arizona. There are currently approximately 100 operating state-licensed dispensaries across the state. You can search for a dispensary close to where you reside.
What can I get with my medical card at an Arizona dispensary?
A qualifying patient may purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana every two weeks. If the patient is authorized to grow marijuana they can possess up to 12 plants. An authorized caregiver may possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana for each of their qualified patients, and up to 12 plants for each patient. The maximum number of patients an authorized caregiver can have is five.
Where can you smoke?
Medical marijuana cannot be smoked in any public facilities, including schools, parks, buses, etc. However, medical marijuana can be consumed in edible form in these public areas. Adult care facilities in Arizona can control their rules for the use of medical marijuana at their facilities.
Are patients and caregivers shielded from discrimination?
Yes. Designated caregivers must register with the ADHS and been issued a registry identification card. This will allow them to grow and dispense medical cannabis for up to five medical marijuana patients.
What is the future of the Medical Marijuana Program in Arizona?
Arizona medical marijuana laws are continuously being updated and revised. The ADHS also has a live chat available for you to ask questions about medical cannabis laws in Arizona.
