Ready to get a medical marijuana card in Alaska?
Alaska has a longstanding medical cannabis program, beginning in 1998 when cannabis was legalized through Measure 8. In 2014, Measure 2 was passed to legalize cannabis for adult use. Since then, Alaska’s cannabis market has generated millions of dollars in sales and tax revenue.
Measure 8 says medical cannabis patients in Alaska can cultivate up to six plants at home, no more than three being mature. If you are 18 years old, you are old enough to qualify for a medical marijuana card. This is a benefit of utilizing Alaska’s adult-use program, which requires consumers to be at least 21 years old.
Keep in mind, Alaska doesn’t have medical marijuana dispensaries. Patients benefit from inexpensive cannabis through home cultivation, compared to taxed dispensary purchases, as well as being able to apply for a medical marijuana card at just 18. Caregivers (21+) can also apply on behalf of children under the age of 18.
Quick Guide to Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in Alaska:
- Check Your Eligibility
Check the list of qualifying conditions down below to see if you qualify for a medical cannabis card in Alaska.
- Find a Cannabis Doctor
Knowledgeable cannabis physicians can help you obtain your medical marijuana card and determine a safe method of administration and dosage for you.
- Apply With the State
You must apply through the Alaska Medical Marijuana Registry to obtain your medical cannabis card.
Check Your Eligibility
Here is the list of qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Alaska:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or treatment for any of these conditions
- Chronic or debilitating disease or treatment for such diseases, which produces, a specific
patient, one or more of the following, and for which, in the professional opinion of the patient’s physician, such condition or conditions reasonably may be alleviated by the medical use of the marijuana:- Autism
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms
- Seizures, including that characteristic of epilepsy
- Crohn’s disease
- Cancer (associated with severe/chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting syndrome)
- Glaucoma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Seizures, including those that are characteristic of epilepsy; or persistent muscle spasms, including those that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis
- Any other medical condition, or treatment for such condition, approved by the department
We still encourage you to reach out to a trusted, cannabis-educated physician if you don’t think you’re eligible for a medical marijuana card in Alaska. Adults over 21 can access cannabis in the state, so if you don’t qualify, your physician can still talk to you about the benefits. Purchasing cannabis through the state’s robust recreational program may give you the same therapeutic value you’re looking for in medical marijuana.
Find a Cannabis Doctor
The right doctor can help you identify a cannabis regimen that supports your complex medical needs. Heally’s network of physicians believes in the power of integrative medicine, which combines traditional medicine with complementary therapies, like medical cannabis.
Be prepared to pay a fee for receiving a medical marijuana recommendation, as medical cannabis is not covered under traditional insurance providers. Heally offers online and in-person consultations for our patients. Telehealth visits save time and money, but some patients believe in-person visits build a stronger patient/provider connection. It’s up to you to decide which route works best for you.
Be prepared to go over your medical history and current medications with your doctor. Cannabis has been known to interact with some prescription medications, like antidepressants. Your physician can help you determine the safest plan for you.
Preparing a list of questions to ask can help your visit be more efficient. Here are a few to start with:
- What kind of cannabis products should someone with my condition look for?
- Are there any side effects associated with medical cannabis?
- How much cannabis should I take?
Apply for Your Medical Marijuana Card in Alaska
New patients in Alaska are required to pay a $25 fee. Your medical marijuana card is active for 12 months and costs $20 to renew.
The application can be found here. Be ready to provide basic information about yourself, including your address, date of birth, your physician’s name who recommended medical cannabis to you, your primary caregiver (if applicable), and your signature. You must also include the original, signed form of the physician’s statement deeming you eligible for medical cannabis, photocopies won’t be accepted.
Talk to a Cannabis Physician
If you’re ready to take the next step, fill out our online patient contact form. We will be in touch soon to discuss your next steps to registering as a medical marijuana patient in Alaska.
