Guide
Medical vs adult-use in Arizona.
What a medical card changes at the counter, in plain numbers.
Updated November 2026
Short answer: any adult 21 or older can buy without a card. A medical card mainly saves you the 16% excise tax and raises your limit.
What changes with a card
| Adult-use | Medical | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | 21 and older with photo ID | Registered patient with an Arizona card |
| 16% excise tax | Yes | No |
| Limit | 1 ounce, up to 5 g concentrate | 2.5 ounces every 14 days |
The math
On a $100 purchase in Phoenix, adult-use adds $16 of excise tax before sales tax. Run your own numbers in the tax calculator.
Which shops serve both
Many shops in this guide do, including JARS Metrocenter, JARS North Phoenix, Zen Leaf Arcadia and The Mint Mesa, which also offers medical consultations. This is not medical advice.
FAQ
Do I need a medical card to buy in Arizona?
No. Adults 21 and older can buy adult-use cannabis with a valid government-issued photo ID.
Is medical cannabis cheaper in Arizona?
Medical sales skip the 16% marijuana excise tax that adult-use sales pay. City and state sales tax can still apply.
How much can a medical patient buy?
Arizona's medical program allows a qualifying patient up to 2.5 ounces every 14 days. Adult-use possession is capped at 1 ounce, with no more than 5 grams of concentrate.
Can tourists use an out of state medical card in Arizona?
Ask the shop first. Anyone 21 or older can buy adult-use with a photo ID either way.