It’s finally time to renew that medical marijuana card, I suppose. This task might feel as equally painful as transferring a vehicle title, but it will eventually be far more rewarding. Fortunately this process has proved to be much simpler than you probably thought! All the steps necessary to obtain an Arizona medical marijuana renewal card are included in this article.
Cannabis Card Renewal Information
Arizona Medical Marijuana Program Registry identification cardholders are required to renew their cards every two years. The various steps required to complete this renewal process will be outlined below. Please read through this entire article before attempting the card renewal process, as it will prevent any confusion. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, check out the Renewal Information FAQs for more specific answers.
How Much Are the Renewal Fees?
Per Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R9-17-102, the application fee for a renewal application is the same as the application fee for a new application. Unlike some other states, this renewal fee is more expensive, and for that reason you should pay special attention to your application and the general rules to make sure the renewal will go through.
A Qualifying Patient Application is $150. A Qualifying Patient Application that is eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is $75. A Minor Patient Application (which includes a caregiver) is $350 or $275 if SNAP eligible. Finally, a Designated Caregiver Application is $200 (for each application). You do not want to fill out the wrong form because that could get expensive fast, so make sure you are uploading the correct application.
How Does the Renewal Process Work?
The expiration date listed on the right-hand side of your registry identification card is going to be your best friend. Once the card renewal application system is available, you will not be able to renew your card more than 90 days prior to its expiration.
If you do not renew your card prior to the expiration date listed on the card, it will no longer be valid. If you choose not to renew your card and your card is allowed to expire, please note that your associated designated caregiver’s card will also be voided. Any intent to renew after the expiration date will require a new application for both you and your designated caregiver.
If you renew your card prior to expiration and have a designated caregiver, your caregiver’s card is still active until his or her designated caregiver card’s expiration date.
To access the renewal application, you will need to enter your first and last name and your current card number after you input your username and password in the ADHS Individual Licensing Portal. For renewal, you will be required to submit similar information to what was required in the original qualifying patient application. There are also several documents that must be new or current, these are as follows:
You will need to obtain and submit a current Physician Certification. You will need to obtain and submit a current photograph. You will need to obtain and submit a new Patient Attestation Form signed and dated with the current date. You will need to obtain and submit current documentation of your SNAP eligibility. The document submitted must indicate your first and last name. You may need to submit a copy of your identification if your name has changed since your last application.
Can I get or Renew my Medical Marijuana Card Online?
Yes, you can register for a medical marijuana card renewal online, or if you’ve never received one before, you may file for one. This does not mean you will immediately have your medical marijuana card once the forms are completed. The state has to approve your renewal or application, and then send a physical copy of the card to you.
In the state of Arizona, they can send an electronic version to your email, which can serve as a fully functioning card. Once you have the card, all medical marijuana protections in your state will apply to you.
How to Obtain an Arizona Medical Cannabis Card
There are many factors that contribute to the availability of a medical marijuana card in Arizona. To get a medical marijuana card in Arizona you must meet these requirements and qualifying conditions:
- At least 18 years or older (if under 18, you must have a legal guardian register as your caregiver).
- A valid Arizona Driver’s License or Arizona Identification Card.
- An Arizona residential address.
- At least one of the qualifying conditions listed: cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, crohn’s disease, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease; or a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that causes: Cachexia or wasting syndrome, chronic pain (arthritis, migraines, etc), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe nausea, seizures, including those from epilepsy, or severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis.
If you believe you meet all of those requirements, choose a medical marijuana doctor in Arizona and schedule an appointment. If the doctor approves you for a medical marijuana card at the appointment, he/she should submit the required documents to the Department of Health Services for you, in which case, you would complete the process! Your Arizona medical marijuana card should be mailed to you within 10 business days. If your doctor did not submit the required documents for you, then get a signed Physician Certification Form from him/her.
If your doctor doesn’t submit your Physician Certification Form and the other required documents to the Department of Health Services’ website for you, then you must do it yourself. There are several factors that go into submitting an application for Arizona, so make sure to follow this step by step guide to ensure your application gets submitted properly. Once submitted, you will receive an email with your digital medical marijuana card. You can check its status on the ADHS’s website.
You are all set to go, my friend! Submit your payment and paperwork, so you can enjoy all the benefits that come with being a medical marijuana card holder. Once finished, come on back to this blog and learn more about anything you want to know related to cannabis. We have made marijuana knowledge our lifestyle here and are willing to answer any questions you have.
Additional Resources:
At The Weed Blog we strive to produce the latest online news resources regarding marijuana. We also review various strains of cannabis and their edible counterparts. We are committed to helping you find valuable information about marijuana on our website. With marijuana laws constantly changing, learn from us what you can do to promote activism in your area. Otherwise, consider these other top-tier articles regarding cannabis:
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