Apply for a California Medical Marijuana Card

Talk to a licensed California medical marijuana doctor and get approved or your money back! If you are not approved for medical cannabis by a doctor for whatever reason, we issue a refund in FULL

Getting started only takes a few minutes. Simply sign up, answer a few questions, and schedule your appointment. Everything should be this easy.

Overall California rating:

4.8 out of 5 based on 47 reviews

No risk guarantee - get approved or your money back!

Intuitive online platform with 24/7 support

Appointments available on demand

Pre-qualify in under 5 minutes

Legal Status

Medical & Recreational

Possession Limits

Medical patients

No Limit

No poss. limit

8 oz purchase limit

Recreational users

Limited

1 oz

1 oz purchase limit

State Taxes

Medical patients

15-17%

Recreational users

21.5-40.75%

Cultivation

Cultivation

Why Get a California
Med Card

Larger purchase limits

Skip the line at the dispensary

Enhanced legal protection

Save up to 25% on cannabis purchases

Peace of mind

Access to higher potency strains

California Savings Explained

Excluded from 25% excise tax
+
8x greater purchase limits
=
HUGE cash and time savings!

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in California

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3

1BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule an appointment to see a medical marijuana doctor in CA through Veriheal at a time that is most convenient for you. Provide basic medical history and book your appointment with a licensed medical marijuana doctor. If you have medical records for your condition(s), please provide them.

Do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance with getting an appointment set. Our team would be more than happy to help.

2CONSULT WITH A MMJ DOCTOR

Consult with a doctor either online or in person for 10-15 minutes to evaluate your ailments and ask any questions you may have about medical marijuana treatment. After the appointment is complete and if you are approved, the doctor will fill out a recommendation form for medical marijuana. Once you have this you can then apply to the state.

Every patient will need to prove California residency for their application to be accepted by the state of CA.

3GET APPROVED

Once you are approved, you’ll register with the state and submit an application. The state will process your application and notify you of your approval and mail your card. Once you have your card in hand, you can begin purchasing from medical marijuana dispensaries.

Medical marijuana law in California requires patients to re-certify their license every year by seeing a licensed physician again. Veriheal will get in touch with you when your certification is approaching its expiration to help you set up a renewal consultation.

What You Get Using Veriheal in California

1-Year Medical Cannabis Recommendation

Cannabis Consultation

Digital Cannabis Certification

New Patients & Renewals Welcome

100% Money-Back Guarantee

24/7 Customer Service

Just So You Know...

  • You can book a combo consultation with a friend or family member and you EACH get $10 off your appointment.
  • If you are not approved for medical cannabis by a doctor for whatever reason, we issue a refund in FULL.
  • Your recommendation is valid for 1 year in California and you will need to re-certify your license with another appointment when it expires.

Recent Reviews

Very efficient and quick process, I got my card 2 after starting my application

Very friendly and helpful staff.

I’m very satisfied with the service I receive when visiting your Georgesville location. Very respectful and comfortable environment.

Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 47 reviews

View All Veriheal Reviews

Medical Cannabis Savings Taxes explained and the benefits of getting your medical card in California

Recreational Marijuana Taxes in California

23.25% and up (15% excise tax + 7.25% sales tax + 1% local tax,
before additional municipal taxes up to an additional 15%)

Medical Marijuana Taxes in California

15% excise tax + municipal taxes

Savings

Estimated Savings Having a Medical Marijuana Card

Upwards of 23.25%!

Cost Information

Below is cost information for getting a California medical marijuana card through Veriheal. When it's time to renew your card, we'll reach out with an exclusive price.

New
Medical Marijuana Certificate
$99
Additional State fee
$100
Total
$199

Still not sure about the process?

Watch this video to learn more about getting a medical marijuana card in California.

California's Cannabis Program - Quick Stats

Total Number of Medical Marijuana Patients:

3,199

This figure is estimated to be only a fraction of patients, as California does not require patient registry.

Number of Licensed Dispensaries:

448

California hosts 1110 total cannabis retailers, including licensed and unlicensed.

Range of Medical Marijuana Products Available:

Dry cannabis flower, tinctures, suppositories, edibles, extracts, pre-rolls, vapes, and concentrates

All formulations of cannabis are available in California.

Average Price of Medical Marijuana Products:

approx $9.18 per gram

An average medical cannabis ounce in California costs $257.

Number of Licensed Cultivators and Processors:

7,651 active cultivation licenses (2023)

Adults over 21 years old can grow up to 6 cannabis plants for personal use in California.

Annual Revenue from Medical Marijuana Sales:

Over $900 million (2023)

California cannabis revenue increased 160% from 2018 to 2023.

About Cannabis in California

Beginning in 2024, California employers can no longer inquire about workers’ off-duty cannabis use. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills AB 2188 and SB 700, aiming to update cannabis-related laws, with AB 2188 prohibiting the use of marijuana test results in employment decisions and SB 700 barring employers from asking job applicants about past cannabis use. Exceptions apply, and the changes have sparked discussions on workplace safety and liability.

California is the quintessential region for medicinal cannabis as it was the first state to pass a license as far back as 1996. The West Coast region started a trend that remains to this day, with 33 states now having a medicinal cannabis license program for qualifying conditions. Twenty-four years after its landmark legislation, California permitted recreational use, making it possible for all residents of 21 years of age or older to benefit from the plant.

Most recently, California state law defended the right to permit home-delivery cannabis sales statewide, according to the Star Tribune. Also, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order to extend medical cannabis licenses from March 4, 2020, until September 15, 2020, due to COVID-19. It is evident that California has no qualms about making cannabis available to residents who require it medicinally or choose to use it recreationally. Because of the state’s longtime open policy, obtaining a medical cannabis card in the state is relatively simple, with Veriheal making it that much easier.

While the state allows for both medicinal and recreational use, patients with a medical cannabis card can possess larger amounts of the plant than those who do not and are exempt from cannabis tax. These extra benefits as a medical cannabis card holder make all the difference for patients who already suffer from a condition that prompts them to use the plant medicinally rather than recreationally.

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: 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a medical marijuana card in California?

It’s simple. Use the form at the top of this page to begin the process, and Veriheal will begin setting you up with a physician who can evaluate your health and confirm your condition.

To qualify for a medical card, you must be 18 or older with proof of California residency and one or more qualifying conditions. To apply, you must also provide a written recommendation from your doctor.

Setting up an appointment with Veriheal costs only $99 in California. If you’re not approved for medical cannabis use, this fee will be refunded to you.

After approval, the state charges $100 for a medical card application fee.

To get a medical cannabis card in California, you need: your completed MMIC application, proof of residency, a valid ID, and written documentation from your physician recommending the use of medical marijuana. You also need to provide your physician’s contact information and medical license number, as well as a $100 application fee.

Yes, Veriheal provides the option for online consultations with a certified medical cannabis doctor. After approval, you will receive written confirmation from your physician, which you can use to fill out the online application with the state.

No, the state does not offer any physician referrals, which is why Veriheal has set up shop in California to assist residents who wish to apply for a medical marijuana card.

California lists 12 specific qualifying conditions for medical cannabis use including anorexia, anxiety, arthritis, cachexia (Wasting Syndrome), cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, migraine, persistent muscle spasms, seizures (including but not limited to epilepsy), and severe nausea. Patients may also qualify if they are suffering from any type of chronic symptom that limits their ability to conduct daily life activities.

Yes, anxiety is a qualifying condition for medical cannabis use in California.

Yes, chronic pain is a qualifying condition for the medical use of cannabis in CA.

Patients that live out-of-state should make an appointment to talk with and be evaluated by a licensed physician in the state of California, just like a typical state resident would. You can use your out of state ID, passport, or other photo ID with proof of residency. You can use a bank statement, utility bill, or rental agreement as proof of residency. However, you must be in the state at the time of the consultation.

Under California law, patients or caregivers can possess up to 8 ounces of cannabis.

That depends on the state you are visiting, which is why it is important to contact the region in order to find out the medical cannabis rules and regulations.

Medical marijuana cardholders have access to 8x larger purchase limits and higher potency strains. They are also exempt from 25% retail and excise taxes.

Medical cannabis has been legal in CA since 1996. Dispensaries in California carry a wide variety of products, and medical cannabis patients are able to purchase all types of medical marijuana products such as dry cannabis flower, tinctures, edibles, extracts, concentrates, and vapes.

Under cannabis law, patients or caregivers can grow or possess up to 12 immature or 6 adult cannabis plants at a time.

Data Last Updated 03/28/2024

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