Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Arizona [2026]

The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA) allows individuals with qualifying conditions to apply for a medical marijuana card through Arizona’s Department of Health Services (ADHS). ADHS evaluates applications from eligible individuals and issues registry identification cards.

ADHS establishes both eligibility and regulatory criteria for medical marijuana cardholders as outlined in AMMA.

Arizona law outlines specific medical conditions that may qualify a patient for medical cannabis certification. A licensed physician must confirm that the patient has one or more of the following:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Acquired Immune Deficiency
• Syndrome (AIDS)
• Hepatitis C
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Severe or chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures, including epilepsy
• Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those associated with multiple sclerosis

Arizona also permits petitions for additional conditions through ADHS if supported by medical evidence.

For an applicant to qualify, they must have a proven qualifying diagnosis and also meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid Arizona identification
• Be 18 years of age or older (if a minor, they may still be eligible if additional safety documentation is provided)
• Have received a physician’s recommendation (certification signed by the physician) dated in accordance with the required time frame.
• Comply with the requirements of ADHS for submitting both a fully completed application and state-mandated application fees.

Physician recommendations for medical marijuana use must be based on the standards and procedures established by ADHS and Arizona law.

In Arizona, the complete expense of obtaining your medical cannabis card is comprised of the following fees:

• A doctor evaluation fee (depending upon what type of physician performs the evaluation).
• An application fee to the state through ADHS.

For those who participate in government-supported programs, Arizona has lower fees when applying for state services.

Therefore, ADHS manages fee schedules and determines eligibility for administrative discounts.

In most cases, certification of medical marijuana usage and registration with the state are limited to individuals and will not be reimbursed by any insurance companies.

Applicants must provide:

• Completed online application
• Physician certification form
• Copy of a valid Arizona driver’s license or state ID
• Applicable state fee payment

Incomplete applications may delay approval. ADHS reviews all documentation before issuing a registry identification card.

Once the Arizona Department of Health Services approves the application:

• A medical marijuana registry identification card is issued
• The patient may legally purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries
• The patient may possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana every 14 days under medical guidelines

Registry cards are generally valid for two years unless otherwise specified by ADHS.

Yes. Qualified patients may designate a caregiver to assist with obtaining and administering medical marijuana.

Caregivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Pass a required background check
• Register with ADHS

Caregiver approvals are issued through the Arizona Department of Health Services as part of the medical marijuana registry system.