How Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Laws Can Impact Your Personal Injury Claim

April 21, 2025

In recent years, medical marijuana has become a game-changer for those suffering from chronic pain, especially for people dealing with personal injuries. In Arizona, medical marijuana is legal for qualifying patients, but if you’re navigating a personal injury case, you might be wondering how your marijuana use could affect your claim. This blog dives into how Arizona’s medical marijuana laws intersect with personal injury claims and what you need to know to ensure your case is handled properly.

What You Need to Know About Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Laws

Arizona legalized medical marijuana in 2010 through the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA). This law allows patients to legally use marijuana for medical purposes to treat a range of qualifying conditions, including chronic pain—something that’s common for people who’ve suffered personal injuries.

To get a medical marijuana card, you need a doctor’s recommendation and proof of a qualifying condition. Once approved, you can legally purchase and use medical marijuana, as well as grow a limited amount. But keep in mind, there are rules to follow, and marijuana use is still prohibited in some situations, like when driving or at work.

What You Need to Know About Arizona’s Medical Marijuana Laws

Arizona legalized medical marijuana in 2010 through the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA). This law allows patients to legally use marijuana for medical purposes to treat a range of qualifying conditions, including chronic pain—something that’s common for people who’ve suffered personal injuries.

To get a medical marijuana card, you need a doctor’s recommendation and proof of a qualifying condition. Once approved, you can legally purchase and use medical marijuana, as well as grow a limited amount. But keep in mind, there are rules to follow, and marijuana use is still prohibited in some situations, like when driving or at work.

How Medical Marijuana Can Affect Your Personal Injury Case

If you’re dealing with chronic pain after an accident or injury, medical marijuana might be a helpful treatment option. However, when you're filing a personal injury claim, it’s important to understand how using marijuana can impact your case. Here’s what you need to know:

Be Transparent About Your Treatment 

It’s essential to be upfront about your medical marijuana use. Your doctor’s records should include every treatment you're using, including marijuana. Insurance companies, your lawyer, and the court will all review your medical records, and not being transparent could hurt your case.


Using medical marijuana for pain relief doesn’t mean your injury is minor. Make sure to communicate the full extent of your injury to both your doctor and your lawyer.



Insurance Companies Might Try to Undervalue Your Claim

Insurance companies may argue that you’re not as injured as you claim if you're using medical marijuana. This could result in a lower settlement offer.


That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. Your attorney will help explain how medical marijuana fits into your treatment plan and fight for a fair settlement.



Impact on Work

and Disability Claims

Medical marijuana is legal in Arizona, but it’s not always accepted in the workplace. Employers are not required to allow employees to use it, even for medical reasons.


If you’re injured on the job, be honest about your marijuana use when filing a workers’ compensation or disability claim. Failing to disclose it can create complications with your employer or insurance provider.



Expert Testimony

Can Strengthen Your Case

Medical expert testimony can explain why medical marijuana is a necessary part of your recovery. This can help counter insurance company arguments that suggest your injury isn’t serious.


Your attorney may work with professionals who can support your claim and show that marijuana use is helping manage your symptoms—not minimizing your injury. 

Be Transparent About Your Treatment 

It’s essential to be upfront about your medical marijuana use. Your doctor’s records should include every treatment you're using, including marijuana, especially if it’s part of your pain management. Insurance companies, your lawyer, and the court will all review your medical records, and not being transparent about your treatments could hurt your case. 


If you’re using medical marijuana for pain relief, it could affect how your injury is perceived. While it may help manage chronic pain, it doesn’t mean your injury is “fixed” or not serious. Make sure to communicate the full extent of your injury to your doctor and your lawyer. 



Insurance Companies Might Try to Undervalue Your Claim

Insurance companies are always looking for ways to reduce the amount they pay out on claims. When it comes to personal injury cases, they may try to argue that you’re not as injured as you say you are if you’re using medical marijuana to manage pain. This can lead to a lower settlement offer. 


That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. They’ll help explain the full impact of your injury and how medical marijuana is just one tool in your treatment plan. Your lawyer will fight to ensure you receive a settlement that truly reflects your injury and long-term needs. 



Impact on Work and Disability Claims

If your injury also affects your ability to work, using medical marijuana can impact your workers’ compensation or disability claims. While medical marijuana is legal in Arizona, it’s not always accepted in the workplace, and employers aren’t required to allow employees to use it. 


If you’re injured on the job and need to take medical marijuana for pain relief, be honest about it in your workers’ compensation claim. Not being transparent could lead to complications, especially if your employer has a strict drug-free policy. Similarly, if you’re applying for disability benefits, your marijuana use should be part of your medical records to ensure that your claim is complete. 




Expert Testimony Can Strengthen Your Case

When it comes to personal injury cases, expert testimony from medical professionals can make all the difference. If you're using medical marijuana to manage chronic pain, your attorney may work with medical experts who can explain how marijuana helps treat your condition and why it’s an important part of your recovery. 


This expert testimony can help paint a clearer picture of your injury and its impact on your life. It can also counter any arguments the insurance company might make about your pain being less severe because you're using marijuana. 

Be Transparent About Your Treatment 

It’s essential to be upfront about your medical marijuana use. Your doctor’s records should include every treatment you're using, including marijuana. Insurance companies, your lawyer, and the court will all review your medical records, and not being transparent could hurt your case.


Using medical marijuana for pain relief doesn’t mean your injury is minor. Make sure to communicate the full extent of your injury to both your doctor and your lawyer.



Insurance Companies Might Try to Undervalue Your Claim

Insurance companies may argue that you’re not as injured as you claim if you're using medical marijuana. This could result in a lower settlement offer.

That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. Your attorney will help explain how medical marijuana fits into your treatment plan and fight for a fair settlement.



Impact on Work and Disability Claims

Medical marijuana is legal in Arizona, but it’s not always accepted in the workplace. Employers are not required to allow employees to use it, even for medical reasons.


If you’re injured on the job, be honest about your marijuana use when filing a workers’ compensation or disability claim. Failing to disclose it can create complications with your employer or insurance provider.



Expert Testimony Can Strengthen Your Case

Medical expert testimony can explain why medical marijuana is a necessary part of your recovery. This can help counter insurance company arguments that suggest your injury isn’t serious.



Your attorney may work with professionals who can support your claim and show that marijuana use is helping manage your symptoms—not minimizing your injury.

How an Attorney Can Help You

Navigate Medical Marijuana in Your Injury Claim

Navigating a personal injury case is challenging—even more so when medical marijuana is involved. That’s why it’s essential to work with a personal injury lawyer who understands both the medical and legal sides of your situation. Your attorney will help ensure your records are accurate, guide you through the legal process, and make sure marijuana use is properly documented and explained. With the right legal support, you can avoid costly mistakes and focus on healing.

Arizona’s medical marijuana laws offer a legal option for pain relief, but using cannabis can complicate personal injury claims if not handled correctly. By being transparent, working with the right experts, and hiring an experienced lawyer, you can protect your claim and secure the compensation you deserve.



Don’t let confusion over marijuana laws stand in your way

—know your rights and advocate for your recovery.

Know someone who uses medical marijuana in Arizona? Share this blog to help them understand how it could impact their personal injury case—and what steps to take if they’re involved in an accident.