Learn How to Renew Your Arizona Medical Marijuana Card

MMJ Card Renewal Information

In 2010, the people of Arizona voted by just over 50% to legalize the use of medical marijuana in the state. This has led to a major change in the way the people of the state live their lives. The use of medical marijuana must be approved by a physician and the state agency in order to receive approval for an Arizona Medical Marijuana Card.

Across the U.S. where medical marijuana use has been approved, the list of medical conditions that it is approved for continues to grow and includes, but is not limited to:

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Glaucoma
• Appetite Loss
• Chronic Pain

For complete up-to-date information check out the ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES process for card renewal here: https://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/medical-marijuana/index.php#renewal-information

For a checklist you can download visit the below resource: https://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/medical-marijuana/patients/adult-patient-application-checklist.pdf

Assembling the Correct Documentation

When you need to renew your MMJ card you will be able to do so within 90 days of the expiration date found on your existing card. As you are preparing to renew your card, you must spend a bit of time assembling the information needed to complete the process with ease. You will need the following items:

• Medical Certification: You will need to renew your physician certification that was needed to obtained for your initial approval. There are many doctors in the Phoenix Metro Area that can help with your medical certification renewal. Attending an appointment with your prescribing physician is the first step. There is no way to complete your renewal legally without your physician providing you with the certification that's required by the state.
• Current Photograph: One of the most important aspects of renewing your Arizona MMJ Card is to make certain you provide the authorities in the state with a current photograph to help with identification purposes. The identification of an individual is vital to make sure you are the approved person purchasing medical marijuana for your treatment purposes.
• Patient Attestation Form: There is more information needed in the form of a Patient Attestation. The renewal is dependent on the completion of this form, which should be signed and dated to show it has been completed within the 90 day deadline of the expiration of your current card. The attestation form is completed when you first apply for an Arizona Medical Marijuana Card with another form completed each time you need to renew your certification. You must remember to sign and date the attestation form to make sure you prove you are within the deadline of 90 days for recertification.
• Other Possibly Required Items: There is generally only a small amount of information needed by the State of Arizona before your application can be approved.

Are you Receiving SNAP Benefits?

One of the most important pieces of information that can help you pay for your renewed card is to prove you receive SNAP benefits.

To prove you are eligible for reduced fees because of your SNAP eligibility you must provide proof you receive these benefits. By making sure you have included proof of your current SNAP benefits you will be able to receive a reduction in the cost of your renewal.

Changing Information

One of the common issues you may face when you are looking to renew a marijuana card is a change in your personal information. Whether you have moved homes or have changed your name because of divorce or marriage, you will need to prove your information has been legally changed.

By including a copy of a current identification card, such as a state-issued driver's license, you will avoid any delays or refusal of your request to renew.

Fees for MMJ Card Renewal

For the most part, the costs you will incur during this process vary. For example, the cost of a physician completing your certification depends on the individual you choose to work with, but it is common for the majority of doctors in Arizona to offer a reduced fee for completing a re-certification form from $75 to $300.

Several other fees must be paid for the recertification and renewal process to be completed. Among the different fees that are required is a $150 card renewal fee that must be paid to the State of Arizona when the application is submitted. In 2020, the initial renewal fee is listed as being $150.

Those who are in receipt of SNAP benefits have the chance to enjoy a reduced rate when they prove they are currently receiving these benefits. When the information is submitted regarding SNAP benefits and approved by the State of Arizona, medical marijuana card renewal fees are slashed by 50%. The renewal fee for those receiving SNAP benefits is just $75 at the time of this writing.

Other fees are payable when someone, other than the patient, applies for an AZ medical marijuana card. A caregiver for an individual patient who is unable to pick up their medicine can apply on their behalf, for $200.

As many are unable to pick up their medical marijuana from dispensaries because of illness, also a growing number of minors are being prescribed medical marijuana to help reduce symptoms associated with specific medical conditions. A medical marijuana caregiver for a minor can renew their MMJ card with a fee of $350 or $275 if in receipt of SNAP benefits.

Don't forget you only have 90 days from the expiration to complete your renewal so gather all your documents and pay the fees on time to reduce the chance of falling out of good standing. The come visit one of our nearby Arizona medical marijuana dispensarylocations closest to you in Glendale, Scottsdale, Tucson, Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Casa Grande, Cottonwood, Glendale, Baseline or Avondale AZ.