Does chronic pain qualify for a medical card in Arizona?
Yes. The Arizona Medical Marijuana Program lists Chronic or debilitating disease (or its treatment) that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome as a qualifying condition. An Arizona-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About chronic pain
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults. Most trials looked at neuropathic pain and measured modest reductions in pain scores, and many patients use cannabis to cut back on other medications.
Symptoms Arizona patients most often hope to ease:
- Persistent aching or burning pain
- Nerve pain such as tingling, shooting or electric sensations
- Pain that keeps you from sleeping
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Side effects or limited relief from current pain medicines
Read more: medical marijuana for chronic pain.
How to get certified in Arizona
- Download the ADHS Medical Marijuana Physician Certification form.
- Visit an Arizona-licensed MD, DO, naturopathic or homeopathic physician who reviews 12 months of records and examines you.
- Have the physician complete and sign the certification form within 90 days of your application.
- Create an account on the ADHS licensing portal and upload the certification, a current photo, your Arizona ID and the signed patient attestation.
- Pay the $150 fee, or $75 if you receive SNAP benefits.
- Print or save your card once ADHS approves the application.
Arizona allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see an Arizona-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: $150 ($75 for SNAP recipients)
- Card lasts: 2 years
- Processing: Usually within 2 weeks
- Patient limit: 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana
- Home grow: 12 plants in a locked facility, only if no dispensary was within 25 miles when you were authorized
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: Yes
See the full Arizona cost breakdown and Arizona program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Arizona
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Crohn's & IBD
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- PTSD
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
Chronic pain in nearby states
- Chronic pain in California
- Chronic pain in Nevada
- Chronic pain in Utah
- Chronic pain in Colorado
- Chronic pain in New Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for chronic pain?
How long does certification take in Arizona?
Can I renew online in Arizona?
Sources
- ADHS Medical Marijuana Program (home)
- ADHS Registry Identification Card Renewal Fact Sheet
- A.R.S. 36-2801 Definitions
- A.R.S. 36-2804.03 Issuance of registry identification cards
- A.R.S. 36-2804.02 Registration of qualifying patients and designated caregivers
- ADHS Director's Blog - PTSD added as qualifying condition
- 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.