California Marijuana Information & FAQ

California legalized marijuana for medical use, but did not develop a statewide program nor a required patient registry. Because of this, the sale and access of medical marijuana varies from city to city and county to county in California. Many cities have bans on the cultivation, sale, and access of medical marijuana at the commercial level. Some cities have permit programs. AllBud does its best to list only the dispensaries or collectives which have been permitted or authorized by local government.
01. What medical conditions will qualify a patient for medical marijuana?
The approved medical conditions for California's medical marijuana program include: AIDS, anorexia, arthritis, cachexia, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, migraine, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, seizures, epilepsy, severe nausea, or any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that either limits the patient's ability to conduct a major life activity (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) Or if not alleviated may cause harm to the patient's safety, mental or physical health.
02. What documentation do I need from the recommending physician to provide with my application?
A physician must provide written documentation stating that the patient has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and that use of marijuana is appropriate. A physician may utilize the form listed below for their written recommendation.
03. Who can write a medical marijuana certification for a patient?
The recommending physician must be licensed by either the Medical Board of California or Osteopathic Medical Board of California. Their license must be in good standing.
04. How much will it cost to apply for a registry identification card?
Application fees vary by county in California, but are in the range of $150 per application. A 50% discount is offered to Medi-Cal patients.
05. Can minors register in the program?
Yes, a minor under the age of 18 can apply if they are lawfully emancipated or if the parent or legal guardian authorizes their registration in the the program. Some counties may require additional information or documentation.
06. What is the possession limit?
A guideline of no more than 8 ounces and 6 mature or 12 immature plants is outlined under SB420 statewide.
07. Is registration optional or mandatory?
Participation is voluntary. Patients are not required to get an ID card to enjoy the protection of Prop. 215, but the registry program does allow law enforcement to easily verify that the registrant is valid.
08. Does the state honor other states' registries?
No, California has no reciprocity agreements with other states.
09. Can I choose any dispensary or do I have to designate a specific one?
Patients can choose any cooperative or collective and are not required to designate one during the application process. Patients can join multiple collectives and cooperatives. Dispensaries currently are not recognized under the law in California.
10. Can a physician revoke a patient's written certification?
There is no process outlined for a physician to revoke a patient's certification, however, the California Department of Public Health requires patients to only use their identification card for purposes under law.
11. How do I renew my card?
The same form and physician's statement is required for renewal.
12. What happens if I lose my card?
Patients who lose their cards should contact the county program where they initially applied for information on process and fees for replacing a card.
13. How does the state law work with federal laws?
It is important to recognize that these state marijuana laws do not change the fact that using marijuana continues to be an offense under Federal law.
14. How can I become a designated caregiver?
A primary caregiver must fill out the application and identify the registered patient and their associated caregiver duties. The patient must be registered with the program in this case.
15. If I am a designated caregiver, can I grow marijuana?
A designated caregiver can cultivate marijuana for medical purposes. Possession limits apply.
16. Can I be both a qualifying patient and a designated caregiver?
Yes, California's application process allows for applying for both primary caregiver and patient statuses.
17. How do dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives work?
Patients can choose any cooperative or collectives and are not required to designate one during the application process. Patients can join multiple collectives and cooperatives. Dispensaries currently are not recognized under the law in California. Written membership applications are needed for a patient or caregiver to join a collective or cooperative to verify their patient status and compliance with laws. Security is typical and is recommended. Collectives and cooperatives are required to only acquire lawfully cultivated marijuana. Additional guidelines apply.
18. How many dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives are allowed?
California allows for collectives and cooperatives, but does not outline any limits on the number, but does have guidelines for their operation.
19. Who can cultivate marijuana?
Any qualified patient (patients with a physician's recommendation) or designated caregiver can cultivate marijuana for medical purposes. Possession limits apply. Patients may also participate in groups as coops and collectives to cultivate marijuana.
20. What rules apply to cultivation facilities?
Cultivation is limited to qualifying patients individually or in groups known as collectives or cooperatives. There are various guidelines from filing articles of incorporation to application and verification process that apply to collectives and cooperatives. Please visit the link below for the most comprehensive information.

Click Here to Visit CA Program Website
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