(Physicians in California are granted wide discretion to recommend cannabis as a treatment for any ailments they deem appropriate. The physician must also agree that medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment option. Both the diagnosis and recommendation of medical cannabis as a treatment option must be documented in your medical records.)
Only patients or their legal representatives may apply for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) for themselves and/or their primary caregivers. Because of this, patients are also known as "applicants." The patient or applicant is a person diagnosed with a serious medical condition for which the medical use of marijuana is appropriate.
These serious medical conditions are: acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); anorexia; arthritis; cachexia (wasting syndrome); cancer; chronic pain; glaucoma; migraine; persistent muscle spasms (i.e., spasms associated with multiple sclerosis); seizures (i.e., epileptic seizures); severe nausea; any other chronic or persistent medical condition that limits the ability of the patient to conduct one or more major life activities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the patient's safety, physical, or mental health.
You will need to contact your county’s program to find out the fee your county charges for an MMIC application. Each County program may charge an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) per MMIC application or renewal, not to exceed fifty dollars ($50) per card for Medi-Cal eligible applicants, and the fees shall be waived for participants in the County Medical Services Program.
Generally, the MMIC expires within one year (with certain exceptions).
It is up to you to apply for a renewal.
The renewal process is the same as the application process.
You must submit current medical information with your Application/Renewal Form (PDF).