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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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