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California Cannabis Laws and Regulations

Both medical and adult-use (recreational) cannabis are legal in California. Medical marijuana was legalized in 1996 with the Compassionate Use Act, and adult-use cannabis was legalized in 2016 with Proposition 64.

Medical Marijuana Card Process

Step 1

Obtain a recommendation from a licensed physician.

Medical Eligibility & Consultation Options

Cancer
Anorexia
AIDS
Chronic pain
Spasticity
Glaucoma
Arthritis
Migraine
Any other illness for which marijuana provides relief

California allows telemedicine for medical cannabis consultations, including initial recommendations and renewals.

Step 2

Apply for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) through your county's health department (optional but provides additional benefits).

Valid California driver's license or state ID
Proof of residency in the county where applying
Medical recommendation from a licensed physician
Application fee (varies by county, reduced fee for Medi-Cal beneficiaries)

Contact your county's health department
Schedule an appointment and submit required documents
Pay the application fee
Receive your MMIC (usually within 30 days)

Obtain a new recommendation from a physician
Reapply through your county health department (for MMIC)
Pay the renewal fee
Renew annually

Adult-use: Up to 28.5 grams (about 1 ounce) of cannabis or 8 grams of concentrated cannabis
Medical: Up to 8 ounces of dried cannabis or the amount consistent with the patient's needs as recommended by a physician

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