California Marijuana Information & FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A guideline of no more than 8 ounces and 6 mature or 12 immature plants is outlined under SB420 statewide.

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.

No, California has no reciprocity agreements with other states.

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.

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.

The same form and physician's statement is required for renewal.

Patients who lose their cards should contact the county program where they initially applied for information on process and fees for replacing a card.

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.

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.

A designated caregiver can cultivate marijuana for medical purposes. Possession limits apply.

Yes, California's application process allows for applying for both primary caregiver and patient statuses.

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.

California allows for collectives and cooperatives, but does not outline any limits on the number, but does have guidelines for their operation.

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.

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.