PTSD and medical marijuana in Arizona: do you qualify?
Yes. The Arizona Medical Marijuana Program lists Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying condition. An Arizona-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About PTSD
Limited evidence. The National Academies found limited evidence that cannabinoids improve PTSD symptoms, based on a small trial of nabilone for nightmares. Many patients report better sleep and fewer nightmares, and larger studies are under way.
Symptoms Arizona patients most often hope to ease:
- Nightmares
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Feeling on edge or easily startled
- Anxiety and irritability
- Intrusive memories that are hard to switch off
Read more: medical marijuana for PTSD.
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
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's & IBD
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
PTSD in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for PTSD?
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.