Can You Get a Medical Card for Anxiety in Arizona?

Can you get a medical card for anxiety in Arizona? And what does it actually take to qualify? If you live in Arizona and struggle with persistent anxiety, you may have considered these important questions. While the answer isn’t exactly cut and dry, there is good news for some patients.

Can You Get a Medical Card for Anxiety in AZ?

Arizona does not recognize Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Unfortunately, this is the case with most U.S. states, with a few notable exceptions like New Jersey. However, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of luck.

While Arizona does not permit medical marijuana for most common anxiety disorders, the state does recognize post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying condition. PTSD is a recognized anxiety disorder, defined as “a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury.”

This type of anxiety is distinct from GAD, which is characterized by extreme worry about everyday life events for no specific reason. If your anxiety meets the description of PTSD and is triggered by traumatic life events, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card in Arizona.

In addition, you may qualify if your anxiety is caused or exacerbated by another condition that does appear on the state’s list of qualifying conditions. For example, a cancer diagnosis can be a significant source of anxiety. If you’re undergoing treatment for cancer (which is a qualifying condition) and experiencing anxiety as a result, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card.

Also, if your anxiety exists concurrently with another qualifying condition like chronic pain, muscle spasms, or seizures (even if the anxiety isn’t directly connected to the condition), you may qualify for a medical card. You would obtain a card for your qualifying condition and enjoy the added benefit of addressing your anxiety along with your primary qualifying condition.

Is Medical Marijuana Effective for Anxiety?

Research shows tremendous promise for the use of cannabis in treating anxiety. THC has been found to have significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, as have some of the common terpenes found in cannabis. Even small doses may contribute to significant anxiety relief.

If you’re among the 40 million American adults who struggle with anxiety, you may have found conventional treatments to be largely ineffective. In addition, common anxiety drugs like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan can be extremely habit-forming and may cause severe side effects like issues with memory and balance. When used in recommended doses, cannabis has only mild side effects and is less subject to adverse effects.

Why Get a Medical Card for Anxiety in Arizona?

Even with the recent legalization of recreational cannabis, it’s still in the best interest of qualifying patients to obtain a medical marijuana card in Arizona.

Card-carrying patients pay less for marijuana (as they’re not subject to the 16% excise tax imposed on recreational sales), and they enjoy access to more dispensaries and more products with higher THC concentrations.

Many recreational dispensaries even offer special express lines and discounts for patients. Patients can also take advantage of higher possession limits and fewer restrictions

How to Get a Medical Card for Anxiety in Arizona

If you’d like to obtain your Arizona medical marijuana card, the first step is to obtain a physician’s recommendation. Once you have your certification, the next step is to register with the Arizona Department of Health Services. The medical marijuana card costs $150 and is good for 2 years, after which you’ll need to renew it.

At Arizona Green Leaf, we employ some of the best and most experienced medical marijuana doctors in Arizona, and we can oversee both the certification process and the paperwork filing on behalf of patients. We have facilities in Chandler and Scottsdale, and we serve patients throughout Arizona with our telemedicine services.

If you’re not sure whether or not you qualify for a medical card in Arizona, the first step is to speak with a physician. They can look at your overall health and medical history and determine if you’d be a candidate.

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America reports that only 37% of anxiety sufferers receive treatment. Don’t try to manage your condition on your own. See if medical marijuana may be an effective course of treatment for you.