Ready to Renew Your Arizona Medical Marijuana Card?
Arizona is famous for its breathtaking site, the Grand Canyon. Visitors also flock to its capital Phoenix to visit the Desert Botanical Garden, Camelback Mountain, and Phoenix Zoo.
Aside from tourism, healthcare continues to be one of Arizona’s largest industries. Based on an article by Azcentral, the sales of medical marijuana jumped by 42 percent in 2018.
The medical marijuana industry continues to grow. The latest statistics show that there were 197,000 active cardholders in 2019. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) processed around 113,000 new applications and 76,000 renewals last year.
If you have a medical marijuana card in Arizona that is nearing its expiration, it makes sense to start the renewal process. Read this article to find out how.
Check the Expiration Date
The expiration date shows on the right side of your medical marijuana card in Arizona. The card is valid for only two years.
You should start requesting for renewal before the expiration date. Otherwise, your card (as well as your designated caregiver’s card) will be null and void. Therefore, if your health condition requires continuous use of cannabis, renew early.
If you did not renew on time, submit a new application instead.
Prepare Your Documents
To renew your medical marijuana card, you need to submit these documents:
- Doctor’s certification
The written certification’s date should be within 90 calendar days of your renewal. A physical examination conducted in the doctor’s clinic within the last 90 calendar days is the requirement.
Consult only authorized medical marijuana (MMJ) doctors. If you find it challenging to find one, it is best to visit service providers who have a roster of MMJ doctors in their team. They will handle the renewal process for you.
- Recent photograph
According to the rules of the Arizona Department of Health Services, the photo should be recent. To be precise, it should be taken less than 60 calendar days before your submission. Therefore, you cannot use the same photo in your last application.
You should not be wearing headgear or sunglasses in the photo. The image should have a white background, and you should not be with another individual.
- Patient Attestation form, signed with the current date
- Recent copies of Arizona’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility documents showing both first and last names
- Identification card, in case there are changes in your demographic information.
If your name or address changed, mention this. You need to submit supporting documents like a marriage contract, an Arizona driver’s license, passport, or other proof of residency in Arizona.
- A properly filled-up renewal form. If you have a P.O box or another mailing address, mention this. Likewise, your email address is essential. Otherwise, you will not be receiving notifications in case there are deficiencies in your application.
When you upload these documents, make sure that the pages are clear and complete. Otherwise, ADHS will treat your application as deficient.
Also, Read: The importance of micro-coils in medical devices and sensors
Pay the Renewal Fees
According to the Arizona Administrative Code, the renewal fees are as follows:
- For the qualifying patient, $ 150
However, if SNAP-eligible, $ 75
- If the qualifying patient is a minor, $ 350
However, if SNAP-eligible, $ 275
- For each designated caregiver, $ 200
The renewal process is straightforward. To avoid disruption in your treatment, you should ensure the timely renewal of your medical marijuana card.