Updated on April 23, 2020. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
California medical marijuana is available to anyone who has a medical marijuana card. To get a card, your doctor will need to diagnose you with a medical condition and approve the use of medical marijuana for treatment.
These are the conditions that qualify for the California medical marijuana program, according to the law:
In order to participate in California’s medical marijuana program, you simply need to follow the steps above. Once approved, your medical marijuana card will be valid for up to one year. You can apply to renew your card.
Keep in mind: you do not need a marijuana prescription from your doctor. Your California doctor simply needs to provide a recommendation for medical marijuana and note your diagnosis in your medical records.
Primary caregivers may also join the California medical marijuana program. Primary caregivers are people who are responsible for taking care of a qualified patient in the form of safety, health or housing. This might be someone who runs a home health agency, a licensed clinic or a hospice facility, for example. Typically, the primary caregiver needs to be at least 18, though certain exceptions apply.
In addition, anyone over the age of 18 can access marijuana by visiting a licensed retail dispensary. You do not need to have a medical marijuana card to purchase marijuana in California.
If you have a California medical marijuana card, you can possess and grow as much cannabis as you need to treat your medical condition, according to California medical marijuana laws.
Visit MarijuanaDoctors.com for a comprehensive look at qualified marijuana doctors in California. We can help you get the marijuana relief you need.