Are you trying to figure out where to get a medical cannabis card in Arizona? My Virtual Physician walks you through the process of how to get your medical cannabis card online from us, if you’re living in Arizona.
Medical Cannabis Vs. Recreational
Recreational marijuana was recently legalized in Arizona in 2021. But there are still a lot of reasons you may want to carry a cannabis medical card. Medical marijuana has been legal in Arizona for over a decade (with the passing of Proposition 203 in 2010 known as the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act). You may not realize that there are advantages to having a medical marijuana card as opposed to just using your recreational rights.
Take a look below at the differences between getting a medical card for cannabis vs.
recreational use in Arizona:
| Medical Marijuana Cardholder | Recreational Use (Adult Use) | |
| Legal Protections | •Employment discrimination •Housing selection |
•No discrimination protections for a positive drug test result |
| Quality of Cannabis Products | •No limit on potency | •Edibles may not contain more than 10 mg of THC per serving (or 100mg/ package) |
| Quantity Allowed in Possession | •Up to 2.5 ounces every 2 weeks •No more than 12.5 grams of concentrates/extracts |
•Up to 1 ounce per transaction •No more than 5g of concentrates/extracts |
| Price and Taxes | •No excise tax •Tax write-off for medical use |
•16%excise tax on top of state and local sales tax |
| Age Requirement | •18+ •Under 18 with special cases and permission |
•21+ |
Without a medical card for cannabis, you lose the legal protections and financial benefits that come with it. The benefits of having a medical marijuana card can outweigh the costs rather quickly when compared to purchasing marijuana from dispensaries under Arizona’s Smart and Safe Arizona Act for recreational use.
Do I Qualify for a Medical Cannabis Card in Arizona?
Before starting the process to get your medical cannabis card, you’ll want to verify that you have a qualifying medical condition. The following debilitating medical conditions qualify, with new conditions added each year:
● Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
● Cancer
● Glaucoma
● HIV or AIDS
● Hepatitis C
● ALS
● Crohn’s Disease
● Alzheimer’s disease
● Wasting syndrome
● Severe and chronic pain
● Severe nausea
● Seizures
● Muscle spasms
If you qualify, below we’ll cover the steps to get your card for medical marijuana in Arizona.
Getting Your Medical Cannabis Card in Arizona
The process to get a medical card for cannabis is simple. You’ll need three things to get your card:
- Physician’s Certification
- Completed Medical Cannabis Card Application
- Payment
Step #1: Physician’s Certification
The first step to getting your medical cannabis card in Arizona is to get a doctor’s evaluation which certifies the physician’s recommendation of medical marijuana as an applicable treatment for your medical condition. The physician’s certification must be completed on a state-specific form. My Virtual Physician takes care of this for you. All you need to do to get started is to meet with one of our doctors to get your card now.
Once you’ve completed the basic paperwork to get an appointment with us, we’ll set up a quick consultation via phone call with one of our qualified physicians who is licensed to practice in Arizona. You’ll leave with the form that you’ll need to submit to the state to register for your medical cannabis card.
Step #2: Medical Cannabis Card Application
Once you’ve completed your consultation with one of our professional doctors and have your approval in hand, the next step is to complete the AZ Department of Health Services (ADHS) application process. My Virtual Physician can walk you through the process of creating your portal account and help you upload your documents. When you’re ready, apply here by clicking the red button in the banner for your registry identification card. You can go back to the same link to check the status of your application.
Step #3: Paying for Your Medical Cannabis Card
To pay for your medical cannabis card, you’ll make two payments: one to your doctor for the evaluation and one to the state. My Virtual Physician charges $115 for this consultation service. Second, you’ll need to pay the state registration fees. Arizona charges $150 for adult patients applying for themselves (reduced to $75 for those enrolled in SNAP benefits). That puts your total cost for a medical cannabis card at $265. The card must be renewed every two years through the online portal. Renewal fees are the same as the initial registration charge and your physician certification must also be current. These fees are paid through the portal.
Take the First Step Now
If you’re ready to get your medical cannabis card as an Arizona resident, you’re in the right place. The first step starts with us. Set up your physician consultation with My Virtual Physician today to get relief today.
