Can you get a medical marijuana card for cancer in Alaska?
Yes. The Alaska Medical Marijuana Registry lists Cancer as a qualifying condition. An Alaska-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About cancer
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found conclusive evidence that oral cannabinoids prevent and treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. There is not enough evidence that cannabis treats or cures cancer.
Symptoms Alaska patients most often hope to ease:
- Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- Loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Cancer-related pain
- Burning or tingling nerve pain from chemotherapy
- Trouble sleeping
Read more: medical marijuana for cancer.
How to get certified in Alaska
- See an Alaska physician who personally examines you and confirms a qualifying condition.
- Have the physician complete the state Physician Statement form.
- Fill out the Application for Registry Identification Card, plus a Caregiver Application if you are naming a caregiver.
- Attach a photocopy of your Alaska driver's license or state ID (and your caregiver's).
- Mail everything with the $25 nonrefundable fee to the Bureau of Vital Statistics Marijuana Registry in Juneau.
- Wait for the department's decision, which is due within about 30 days.
Alaska requires your first certification visit in person. Renewals can usually be done online.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: $25
- Card lasts: 1 year
- Processing: Department reviews within 30 days; an application not denied within 35 days is treated as approved
- Patient limit: 1 ounce of usable marijuana
- Home grow: Up to 6 plants, with no more than 3 mature and flowering at once
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: No — in person first
See the full Alaska cost breakdown and Alaska program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Alaska
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
Cancer in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for cancer?
How long does certification take in Alaska?
Can I renew online in Alaska?
Sources
- Alaska Department of Health - Medical Marijuana
- Alaska Department of Health - Medical Marijuana Registry information (PDF)
- Alaska Statutes 17.37.010 (Registry)
- Alaska Statutes 17.37.040 (Possession limits)
- Alaska Statutes 17.37.070 (Definitions)
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.