Apply for a California Medical Marijuana Card Online

Caregivers in California

While California’s open policy allows all residents 21 and over to purchase cannabis legally, specific medical prescriptions may only be available to patients with qualifying conditions. Having a medical cannabis license due to a disorder also gives further protection against arrest and privacy. 

Based on California Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act, disorders and conditions that make a resident eligible for the program include: 

• Anorexia
• Arthritis
• Cachexia (Wasting Syndrome)
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Migraine
• Persistent muscle spasms (including but not limited to spasms associated with multiple sclerosis)
• Seizures (including but not limited to epilepsy)
• Severe nausea
• Any type of chronic or ongoing medical symptom that either:
  • (A) “Substantially limits the ability of the person to conduct one or more major life activities as defined in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990” (Public Law 101-336).
  • (B) If not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the patient’s safety or physical or mental health.

The cost for the card in most counties statewide is $100 a year; however, in Sacramento, patients with proof of Medi-Cal benefits only pay $50 a year.  

Who Can Qualify as a Primary Caregiver?

Caregivers must also apply for a medical cannabis license like the patients they monitor. To be eligible for caregiver status, a person must have proof of California residence with a state license or identification card, live in the same county as the patient, and agree to be photographed.

California defines precisely what a caregiver must be to the patient to be considered for a card. Based on the law, a caregiver in the state must be a parent or guardian if the patient is under 18, consistently responsible for the patient’s well-being, help assist the patient with administration if necessary, and must not be the primary care physician of the patient.

Possession and Cultivation Limits in California

Branded perfectly, SB 420 and SB 94 revised the original Compassionate Use Act passed in 1996, amending some of the provisions. Based on the bill, both patients and caregivers are legally allowed to grow or possess up to 12 immature or 6 adult cannabis plants at time. Under no circumstance is a patient or caregiver allowed to sell the cannabis they cultivated or possess since a license to do so is necessary.

Every California county has their own local codes and zoning laws regarding the amount of cannabis patients in their district can cultivate or possess, which is important information for patients to seek out before growing or purchasing the plant. Additionally, patients and caregivers have the right to travel with a certain amount of cannabis, and if confiscated upon a vehicle stop or arrest, the patient or caregiver is legally entitled to have the property returned. Some California cities and counties prohibit cannabis sales and cultivation, which is why it is important to know the local ordinances in which a patient or caregiver resides.

Adults may also be involved in the home cultivation program in California. In their cars, legal customers can carry marijuana, but it must be in a closed container or in the trunk. Marijuana plants must be kept in a closed room which is not publicly noticeable.

Steps to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in California

You’ll have to start with filling out the application form for the Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) Program. Then to complete your application you must include copies of the following items:

• You must be 18 years old and provide proof of identity. A valid government-issued state ID or driver’s license. You can also use a U.S. Passport or Veteran’s Administration cards.
• Next, you’ll need to provide proof of residency in California. This can be a vehicle registration, utility bill or rental/mortgage receipt. The proof should show your name and current California address.
• You need to be diagnosed with a qualifying condition from the list above. 
• You must provide a written medical marijuana recommendation from your doctor that medical cannabis use is necessary for one or more serious medical conditions. (Veriheal can help with this)
• Non-refundable application fee of $100 (or $50 for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.) Acceptable forms of payment are cash, credit, debit, cashier’s checks, money orders–no personal checks are accepted.

Reciprocity for Out of State Residents

Marijuana is legal for all residents and visitors to California because of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. However, there are benefits for non-residents to become medical marijuana patients and get their med card within the state. 

By being part of the medical marijuana program out of state patients can avoid a 15% sales tax that recreational cannabis users must pay when they purchase marijuana. Non-residents in the state of California need to get both a medical marijuana ID card and a doctor’s recommendation to buy medical cannabis. 

How to Renew Your California Medical Marijuana Card with Veriheal

To renew your California medical marijuana card through Veriheal, you’ll need to schedule a renewal appointment with one of our physicians. They can confirm that you still need medical cannabis for your qualifying condition and help you with the renewal process. We will remind you when it’s almost time for your renewal appointment, or you can reach out to our Customer Service Department so we can assist you and apply a renewal discount for you.

How Long Does a Medical Marijuana Card Last in California?

A medical marijuana card is valid in California for one year.