Delays in implementing Prop 64 may mean some healthy marijuana users are tapping on the medical door to satisfy their recreational desires. The authorities will have likely already raised their level of scrutiny. Thus getting your application for a medical marijuana card right first time could be crucial for your health.
Your First Step: Do You Really Need the MMJ….(Um – Yes.)
Clinical cannabis is typically not for treating flu or acne. However, nowadays that is probably sufficient to get a doctor’s recommendation. A decade ago, many doctors required more serious medical conditions along the lines of cancer, HIV, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis for example. Prop 215 also lists depression (which is difficult to diagnose) and “any other condition for which medical marijuana may provide relief”. That statement is the key to providing flexibility to doctors in providing scripts. Given HIPAA laws, law enforcement is not allowed to inquire about your medical condition. As such, once you get your card you are golden! Your next step is to find a doctor to write a recommendation.
Any doctor with a California Medical Board license can do this. However, you may have more sympathy from a ‘Class 420 Doctor’ who already knows the ropes. As you probably know, most ‘420 Doctors’ go “all in” and make marijuana their main focus. These doctor’s specialize in matching your condition with the benefits of medical marijuana.
Your Next Step is Getting a Medical Marijuana Card
In theory, you could step into any marijuana dispensary in California armed with a recommendation, identify yourself, and pay for and collect your medicine. However, you could potentially save yourself a hassle down the line by applying for, and obtaining a voluntary State issued medical marijuana card.
Provided you apply within a California county you reside in, you just pop by in person to the appropriate office with the following:
– The doctor’s MMJ recommendation
– A driver license or other government photo card
– A completed and signed application form
– Proof of residence in the county
– The application fee your county requires
– A photo (likely taken onsite at the county office).
Proof of residence could be your motor vehicle registration, rental or mortgage agreement, or a utility bill. If you are on Medi-Cal assistance, prove it and get 50% off your application fee. The only information on your photo card is your unique number in the system.
Your name, address and social security number are private on the California medical marijuana system. They should issue your card within 35 days if you are successful. In the interim you can still get your medicine.
Do I Need a Consultant to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card?
If your case is straightforward, and you can figure out the regulations and the FAQ, then probably you can do it solo. However, if you are concerned they might turn your application down because you are borderline, or something happened in the past consider consulting with an expert. Of course, appealing a rejection will cost you more than applying for a card.