With recreational marijuana now legal in Arizona, many are wondering: is it worth it to keep or get a medical card? In short, heck yes it is! If you have a qualifying health condition, it is absolutely worth it to keep, renew or obtain a new MMJ card. 

There are a number of places around Tucson that can help you with the process of obtaining your medical marijuana card and begining the healing journey through natural medicine. Dr. Reeferalz and Natural Healing Care Center are both located on Speedway between the two Prime Leaf locations. 

Why be a Medical Patient?

Product exclusivity and potency

At the Prime Leaf, medical patients have exclusive access to some of our best medical products including Grow Sciences flower. Medical patients also have exclusive access to higher potency products, specifically edibles.  Adult-use patrons may only purchase edibles that have a max of 100mg THC (10mg per serving) while edibles for medical patients are available in higher potencies.

Higher Possession limits:

Medical patients may purchase and possess up to 2.5 oz every two weeks.   Medical patients do not have restrictions on edibles or concentrates within that 2.5 oz allotment. Adult-use patrons are limited to 5g total between edibles and concentrates in the allowed allotment.

Significantly lower taxes:

The state and local tax on medical marijuana sits at 8.7% while the tax on adult-use marijuana sits around 25%. That’s a no-brainer! 

Lower age limit:

Individuals 18+ may obtain a medical marijuana card. For individuals under 18 to obtain a medical marijuana card, a legal guardian must register as a caregiver. Adult-use patrons must be 21+.

Housing and education protections*:

Schools and landlords may not refuse enrollment or leasing to an individual based solely on the individual’s status as an active medical marijuana cardholder. AZ State Legislature

Protection in the workplace*:

An employer will not be able to penalize a qualifying patient with a registry identification card for a positive drug test for marijuana, unless the patient used, possessed, or was impaired by marijuana on the employment premises or during hours of employment.  An employer may not discriminate against employee in hiring, terminating or imposing terms or conditions of employment based on an individual’s status as a medical marijuana card holder.  AZ State Legislature 

*subject to the condition that these conditions do not cause an employer to lose a monetary or licensing related benefit under federal law or regulation

If you are interested in obtaining or renewing a medical marijuana card, check out a Tucson certification center to learn more and get the process started!