Even though California has legalized recreational marijuana, there are still big advantages to having a California medical marijuana card. Medical marijuana is used to treat a diverse range of conditions, and being an MMJ cardholder in California brings real benefits.
The California MMJ program is one of the most well-run and patient-friendly in the US. California dispensaries stock a wide array of high-quality medical marijuana products and customer service is usually excellent. Having a California MMJ card is a great investment and well worth the cost.
So, how easy is it to get a medical card in California? How do you apply for an MMJ card in California? What are the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in California? And how much does it cost to get an MMJ card in California in 2021? Let’s answer all these questions and more.
How Easy Is It To Get A Medical Card In California?
California was an early adopter of medical marijuana, and its MMJ program has been influential to other states as they introduced their own programs. Getting a medical marijuana card in California is a straightforward process if you have a qualifying medical condition.
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A California MMJ Card?
The qualifying conditions for a California MMJ card are:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple sclerosis
- Side effects of radiation therapy
- Glaucoma
- Arthritis
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Migraine headaches
- Multiple sclerosis
- Any chronic medical condition that causes serious harm to your mental or physical health
How Do You Get A Medical Card In California In 2021?
The best way to get a California medical marijuana card is to register on the MMJRecs online clinic. You will then have a telemedicine consultation with one of their California medical marijuana doctors to evaluate whether you qualify for a California MMJ card.
If you are eligible, your doctor will email you a doctor’s certification for MMJ instantly and your original embossed certificate will be posted to you the next day. You’ll then submit a valid proof of identity, proof of residency, and your certificate to the California Department of Public Health.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Medical Card In California In 2021?
A California medical marijuana card costs $50 in 2021. You pay this directly to the state of California during the application process. Your card will then be posted to you and will arrive in 7–10 business days.
How Long Is A California Medical Marijuana Card Valid For?
A California MMJ card is valid for one year and must be renewed by repeating the original application process.
Do You Still Need A Medical Card In California In 2021?
You do not need a California MMJ card to buy marijuana products in California in 2021. This is because the Golden State has legalized recreational marijuana. However, having a California MMJ card has benefits and is a better option than buying recreational marijuana.
Some medical marijuana dispensaries will sell MMJ products to patients who have a doctor’s certificate but do not have an official MMIC (Medical Marijuana Identification Card).
Why Is An MMJ Card Beneficial Even Though Recreational Marijuana Is Legal?
Using a California MMJ card instead of buying recreational marijuana is better for several reasons:
- Recreational marijuana is only available to people over the age of 21, while minors can access medical marijuana with the help of a caregiver.
- Medical marijuana is not subject to state sales tax, so it is cheaper than recreational marijuana.
- Medical dispensaries can sell lotions and tinctures with up to 2,000 mg of cannabinoids, while in recreational dispensaries the limit is 1,000 mg.
- Home cultivation limits are much higher for California MMJ cardholders.
Can A Minor Get A Medical Card In California?
People over the age of 18 can get a California medical marijuana card. Recreational marijuana is only available to over 21s. Minors can use medical marijuana treatment in California, but they must be assisted by a caregiver who is over the age of 18.
What Products Are Available In California Dispensaries?
California has recreational and medical marijuana dispensaries. Only medical card holders can purchase MMJ products in medical marijuana dispensaries.
California medical marijuana dispensaries sell a wide range of products, including:
- MMJ flower
- Pre-rolls
- Edibles
- Beverages
- MMJ concentrates
- Tinctures
- Vapes
- Topicals
- Lotions
Featured image by Julian Myles on Unsplash