Arizona Medical Marijuana Information

Arizona Proposition 203

Arizona’s Proposition 203, also known as the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, was a ballot initiative that was approved by voters in 2010. The measure legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes in the state of Arizona, making it the 15th state in the United States to do so.

Under the provisions of Prop 203, patients who have been diagnosed with certain qualifying medical conditions are able to obtain a medical marijuana card, which allows them to purchase and use marijuana for medicinal purposes. These qualifying conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, and a number of other serious and chronic medical conditions.

In order to obtain a medical marijuana card, patients must first obtain a written recommendation from a licensed physician stating that the use of medical marijuana is necessary for the treatment of their condition. The patient must then submit this recommendation, along with a completed application, to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). If the ADHS determines that the patient is eligible, they will issue a medical marijuana card, which must be renewed annually.

In addition to allowing patients to use medical marijuana, Prop 203 also established a system for the cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana in the state. Under this system, the ADHS is responsible for issuing licenses to medical marijuana dispensaries, which are then allowed to grow and sell medical marijuana to patients with valid medical marijuana cards.

Since the passage of Prop 203, the medical marijuana industry in Arizona has grown significantly. There are now hundreds of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries operating in the state, and the number of patients using medical marijuana has also increased. According to the ADHS, as of 2021 there were over 300,000 registered medical marijuana patients in Arizona.

While Prop 203 has been largely successful in providing access to medical marijuana for patients in Arizona, it has also faced some challenges and controversies. One of the main criticisms of the measure is that it does not provide for the regulation of the dosage and strength of medical marijuana products. This has led to concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these products, as well as the potential for abuse and misuse.

In addition, there have been some concerns about the potential for abuse of the medical marijuana system. Some critics have argued that the system is too easy to manipulate and that it has been used by some individuals to obtain marijuana for non-medical purposes. However, supporters of Prop 203 argue that these issues can be addressed through stricter regulations and better enforcement of the law.

Overall, Arizona’s Proposition 203 has been successful in providing access to medical marijuana for patients with qualifying medical conditions. While there have been some challenges and controversies, the measure has largely achieved its goal of improving the lives of patients suffering from serious and chronic medical conditions.

Learn more about becoming an Arizona medical marijuana patient.

Common Medical Marjuana Questions

How Much Is an Arizona Medical Card?

The application fee for an Arizona Medical Marijuana card is $150 for new applicants and $75 for renewals.

On top of that, MMJ Doctors will then charge you a fee, usually somewhere around the same amount as the application fee. This means getting an Arizona medical card usually costs around $300.

Is There a Limit to How Much MMJ a Patient Can Possess?

If you are a medical marijuana patient in Arizona, you are able to have up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana within a 14-day time frame. This includes all forms of marijuana, like dried marijuana, edibles, concentrates, and topicals.

Where Can I Use My Medical Marijuana?

Use it at your home. Please note that public MMJ use in Arizona is illegal except in the form of edibles. It is illegal for patients to use marijuana in any public place, such as near/at a school, on mass transit, at correctional institution, or on public transportation.

Can I Grow Medical Marijuana in Arizona?

The only way you can grow medical marijuana in Arizona is if you live more than 25 miles from a dispensary.

Only registered qualifying patients and designated caregivers are allowed to grow medical marijuana. If you are a qualifying patient, you are allowed to grow up to 12 plants for your personal medical use. If you are a designated caregiver, you are allowed to grow up to 12 plants for each qualifying patient you are caring for. It’s important to note that there are strict rules and regulations in place for growing medical marijuana in Arizona, and it is illegal to grow marijuana for any other purpose.

What Are The Price Differences Between Arizona Recreational and Medicinal Marijuana?

As an AZMMJ patient, you get to take advantage of tax savings. The tax on medical marijuana in Arizona is 8.3% while the tax on recreational marijuana is 24.3%.

Medical Marijuana Caregiver

Arizona Department of Health Services can allow patients to supply medical marijuana to other medical marijuana patients who would have to get their own medication.

• Caregivers must be at least 21 years of age.
• A caregiver can only help up to five medical marijuana patients at a single time and must hold medical marijuana identification cards for every single one.

• A patient doesn’t have to pay a caregiver for labor – they only have to pay for their own medication.
• Caregivers must submit to background checks regarding drug-related felonies.