Wondering whether you should get a California Medical Cannabis Card but not sure where to start? There are several benefits to obtaining a Medical Cannabis Card in California, although you’ll have to qualify for the card and apply to the state before you can receive it. That just leaves one query: should you get one? We’re here to help you answer that question.
What is a California Medical Cannabis Card?
A California Medical Cannabis Card is a document that identifies the bearer as a legal medical marijuana patient. The California Department of Public Health will send you a card after you register for the state’s Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP). This will also place you in a database containing the information of all medical marijuana patients in California.
Once you receive your card, you can legally buy medical marijuana from dispensaries in California. Although recreational cannabis use also became legal in California in 2016 under Prop 64 and rec sales have been in full effect since 2018, medical patients have a few advantages over recreational users.
Benefits of California Medical Cannabis Cards
With a Medical Cannabis Card, you’ll be able to legally purchase marijuana from medical dispensaries anywhere in California. This affords patients privileges like:
- Lower Taxes – Medical Cannabis Cardholders don’t need to pay retail sales taxes, meaning they could save 7 percent on their weed purchases.
- Reciprocity – Refill your prescription in states outside of California where allowed. (Note: You can’t travel with your medication across state lines, just your medical card.)
- Fewer Age Restrictions – California residents can become medical marijuana patients at 18 years old. In contrast, they can’t buy recreational marijuana until age 21.
- Grow More Plants: Want to grow your own cannabis? A Medical Cannabis Card allows you to grow as many plants as your prescription requires.
Qualifying for a Medical Cannabis in California
Before you can apply for a Medical Cannabis Card, you must meet certain requirements. First, you’ll need to find a doctor who offers medical marijuana prescriptions. They’ll need to diagnose you as a qualified patient. Qualified patients must suffer from one of the following:
- Anorexia
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Chronic Pain
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Migraines
- Muscle Spasms
- Wasting Syndrome
Once you find a doctor and receive your prescription, you’ll need to prove your identity and residency to the state. You can do this by submitting a copy of a photo ID (like your drivers’ license) and a document with your name and address, like a lease, utility bill, or mortgage agreement.
After you’ve assembled all of your documents, you’re ready to apply for your California Medical Cannabis Card! Pay a $100 application fee to your county, and you’ll receive your card. Medical Cannabis Cards remain valid for one year. After that, you’ll need to renew it.
Should You Get a CA MMIC?
If you live with a qualifying condition and think MMJ could relieve your symptoms, there’s no reason not to get a California Medical Cannabis Card. With a slew of benefits to help patients get the medicine they need, a medical card could be the first step towards taking control of your life.
Once you get your card, let us know when you stop by our Venice Beach dispensary!
