Arizona Medical Marijuana Laws

A sign representing Arizona’s medical marijuana program

In 2010, voters in Arizona approved Prop 203, the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA). With its passage, the use of medical marijuana was legalized and registered cannabis patients were protected from state prosecution. The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) regulates the state’s medical marijuana industry. As of October 2019 there were more than 200,000 qualified and registered medical cannabis patients in the state.

Becoming A Medical Marijuana Patient In Arizona

The first step to becoming a medical marijuana patient in Arizona is to get examined by a doctor. The AMMA allows for registered physicians to recommend medical marijuana to their patients if they meet one of the state’s qualifying medical conditions.

Physicians who are registered with the state’s medical marijuana program have the ability to approve medical marijuana cards. Not all physicians register, though, so ask yours if they do. Those not registered to certify medical marijuana patients will give you your records and recommend a medical marijuana certification center for you.

Patients can be any age, but minors need to have a parent’s or legal guardian’s consent before obtaining their medical marijuana card.

Growing Medical Marijuana

The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act permits patients to grow their own cannabis if they live at least 25 miles from the nearest dispensary. Medical marijuana patients who meet this criteria are allowed to grow up to 12 plants. It’s important to note that homegrown plants must always be contained in a locked and enclosed facility.

Arizona caregivers are also permitted to grow up to 12 plants per patient. The state requires that medical marijuana patients with caregivers live more than 25 miles from a dispensary.

Amounts Of Medical Marijuana You Can Buy/Possess

Once Arizona patients receive their medical marijuana card, they can purchase medical cannabis at any state-licensed dispensary, such as Nature’s Medicines. Patients are allowed to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days.

Driving Under The Influence

The AMMA doesn’t allow consumption of medical marijuana before or while operating a motor vehicle. Patients could be prosecuted if they do so.

Public Consumption

Arizona prohibits the public consumption of medical marijuana. There are several legal events each year sponsored by cannabis organizations that offer medical marijuana patients an opportunity to gather and consume together.

Medical Marijuana Card Expiration

As of August 2019, medical marijuana cards in Arizona are valid for two years. Patients can renew their medical marijuana cards within 90 days of the expiration date. Renewal requires a physical examination by a certified physician or certification clinic. If your medical marijuana card expires, you won’t be able to purchase medical marijuana until your new card arrives.

Please rest assured that you’ll always receive trustworthy medical marijuana guidance at Nature’s Medicines dispensaries in Arizona.

Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in Glendale, Arizona
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in Happy Valley, Arizona
Visit our medical marijuana dispensary in Phoenix, Arizona

For more information on marijuana in Arizona, see also:
Medical Marijuana vs Recreational Marijuana Rules in Arizona
How To Choose A Dispensary in Arizona
How To Get A Medical Marijuana (MMJ) Card in Arizona
How To Buy Medical Marijuana in Arizona
Arizona Allotment of Medical Marijuana
Arizona Medical Marijuana – Do’s and Don’ts
History of Medical Marijuana in Arizona
Glendale Medical Marijuana Certifiers
Happy Valley Medical Marijuana Certifiers
Phoenix Medical Marijuana Certifiers