Qualifying Medical Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Arizona
Arizona's medical marijuana program recognizes specific qualifying conditions as defined by state law. Below is an overview of Arizona's program, including the official list of qualifying conditions, eligibility criteria, and program details.
Established by Proposition 203 in 2010, Arizona's medical marijuana program is administered by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). The program allows patients with qualifying conditions to obtain a medical marijuana card.
Official Qualifying Conditions (ARS 36-2801)
Per Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-2801, a "debilitating medical condition" means one or more of the following:
Named Conditions:
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Cancer
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Glaucoma
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HIV/AIDS (Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
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Hepatitis C
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
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Crohn's Disease
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Alzheimer's Disease (specifically agitation of Alzheimer's disease)
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (added by the Department)
Conditions Causing These Symptoms:
Any chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition (or its treatment) that produces:
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Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
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Severe and Chronic Pain
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Severe Nausea
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Seizures (including those characteristic of epilepsy)
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Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms (including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis)
Patient Demographics
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Chronic Pain: Over 90% of Arizona medical marijuana patients list chronic pain as their primary qualifying condition.
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PTSD: PTSD is one of the fastest-growing qualifying conditions in Arizona, particularly among the veteran population.
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Senior Patients: There has been increased enrollment among seniors in Arizona's program.
MMJ.com's Commitment
MMJ.com provides patient education and convenient telehealth evaluations, guiding patients through the eligibility verification process and assisting with proper documentation for medical marijuana certification.
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed Arizona's decision to include it in the state program.
Cancer
Cancer is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients experiencing appetite and weight-related concerns. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among patients undergoing antiviral treatment regimens. (Sylvestre et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
ALS is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on research surveying ALS patients about symptom management approaches. (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabis use in patients with Crohn's Disease. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013)
Alzheimer's Disease (Agitation)
Agitation associated with Alzheimer's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among Alzheimer's patients experiencing behavioral symptoms. (Shelef et al., J Alzheimers Dis 2016)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program, added by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Arizona included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome)
Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on research examining dronabinol (synthetic THC) use in patients experiencing appetite and weight loss concerns. (Beal et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 1995)
Severe and Chronic Pain
Severe and Chronic Pain is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Severe Nausea
Severe Nausea is an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients experiencing nausea, including chemotherapy-induced nausea. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Seizures (Including Epilepsy)
Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy, are an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasms (Including MS)
Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis, are an approved qualifying condition under Arizona's medical marijuana program per ARS 36-2801. Arizona included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with MS-related spasticity. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012)
Important Program Details
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Card Validity: 2 years
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State Fee: $150 (reduced for SNAP/SSI recipients)
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Telehealth: Fully available for initial evaluations and renewals
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Age: 18+ (minors require designated caregiver and additional physician certification)
Disclaimer
This page provides information about Arizona's qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. The inclusion of a condition in Arizona's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Patients should always discuss potential treatment options, risks, and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for medical marijuana with my condition?
You may qualify if your condition is listed among Arizona's approved conditions per ARS 36-2801, OR if you have any condition that produces severe chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, or wasting syndrome. A licensed physician must certify your eligibility.
What documentation is required?
A clear medical history documenting your qualifying condition is required, along with a physician's certification confirming your eligibility.
What role does my physician play?
Your physician evaluates your medical history, determines whether you have a qualifying condition under Arizona law, and provides the certification required for the state registry.