Are optometrists permitted to recommend medical marijuana?

In Arizona, optometrists are not permitted to recommend medical marijuana. This restriction stems from the legalities surrounding medical marijuana use and the scope of practice associated with optometry. While optometrists play a critical role in eye care and can manage various ocular and visual health issues, the legislation regarding medical marijuana falls outside their professional scope. Only specific healthcare providers, such as physicians, have the legal authority to evaluate, prescribe, and recommend medical marijuana to patients.

Regarding the other options, the idea that optometrists could recommend medical marijuana with a prescription, only in certain conditions, or for specific ailments does not align with the established laws governing medical practices in Arizona. The focus for optometrists remains primarily on eye health rather than broader medical treatments that involve substances like marijuana, which adds additional complexity to the existing scope of practice regulations.