How Does Arizona Law Define “Weed” and Is It Legal in 2023?

Although recreational weed or marijuana is legal in Arizona, there are still significant reasons to enrol in the Arizona medical marijuana program. Medical patients can purchase cannabis with fewer restrictions, enjoy more potent products, and save on taxes. Moreover, the state designed its medicinal use of marijuana laws to make it easy for patients to get the marijuana they need.

Legalizing Weed in Arizona

In November 2002, the state tried decriminalizing recreational use through the medical cannabis initiative but failed with 42.7% of the vote. This initiative, called Proposition 203, was opposed by the state’s law enforcement community, both major party gubernatorial candidates, and drug veteran John P. Walters who traveled to the state to campaign against the initiative.

In November 2010, proposition 203 was revised to the medical use of marijuana and was approved with 50.1% of the vote. The initiative allowed patients with a licensed physician’s recommendation to possess up to 2.5 ounces (71 g) of cannabis to treat several medical conditions.

However, the final output was still not attained even after proposition 203 approval because Governor Jan Brewer and Tom Horne filed a lawsuit in federal court questioning some of the initiative’s provisions. A federal judge dismissed the case in January 2012, and the first licensed dispensary opened to the public on December 6, 2012.

Where Is It Safe To Consume Marijuana in Arizona?

Both medical marijuana users and recreational users are only allowed to consume marijuana in private places, but medical marijuana users may consume edibles in public. Consumption of marijuana in public places is prohibited and offensive. It’s a felony to consume marijuana while sitting or driving any vehicle. So better to consume your dosage of medical marijuana inside your home to avoid penalties.

Marijuana Possession Limit

While Arizona marijuana laws allow marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, there are still strict rules on how much one may possess. Recreational users or adults over 21 can possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana with no more than 5 grams in concentrate form. Adults may also give away up to 1 ounce of cannabis to another adult 21.

Medical marijuana users and their caregivers may legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis. They can offer medical cannabis to another registered patient or designated caregiver as long as nothing of value is exchanged and possession limits are not exceeded.

Arizona State Registry for Cannabis Card

A qualified patient over 21 years of age can register through the state Arizona department of health services (ADHS). In the case of a minor patient parent or legal guardian must apply together, and all information is entered into the same application. Their parent or legal guardian must be designated as their caregiver. Adult patients do not need to designate a caregiver.

Before registering with the state online, you will need additional documents to complete the application process. The documents to include are:

• State-issued identification card (a valid Arizona driver’s license or a U.S. passport);
• A current photo, not more than 60 days old
• A completed and signed physician certification form
• A completed and signed patient attestation form

Once your documents are ready, register with the ADHS and proceed with the online application. Remember, all these documents must be accompanied by the physician recommendation form and converted to a PDF format for online submission.

Qualifying Conditions for Obtaining Medical Cannabis card in Arizona

Some qualifying conditions can get your medical marijuana card in Arizona quickly.

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Crohn’s Disease
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• HIV or AIDS
• Nausea
• Persistent Muscle Spasms
• PTSD
• Seizures

How To Get Medical Marijuana Card in Arizona?

It’s an easy process to get your medical cannabis card in Arizona. All you need to follow these steps:

Book an Appointment

Book your appointment by filling up an online evaluation form with GreenPot MD.

Get Evaluated

One of our doctors will connect back to determine the need for a medical marijuana card. The evaluation process will take 15 to 20 minutes only. Feel free to share everything about your medical conditions and things running inside your head.

Receive your Card

Once the medical doctor approves you, they will help you to register as a patient with the state. The state will take approx ten days to mail your medical marijuana card.

Caregiving in Arizona

Qualified medical marijuana patients can apply for a designated caregiver. While in the case of minor patients, they must have a caregiver. Their parents or legal guardians can be their caregivers. The caregiver must be 21 years or older and an Arizona state resident.

Arizona Reciprocity Laws

Arizona offers the same force and effect as a card issued in Arizona, i.e. Arizona identifies the out-of-state medical cards. However, out-of-state patients may not purchase medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries but are permitted to acquire up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis.

Bottom Line!

The state allowed medical cannabis to enhance patients’ quality of life dealing with debilitating medical conditions. If you are interested in applying for a medical marijuana card in Arizona or have questions about the process, contact GreenPot MD for guidance. Our team can address any concerns you might have.