The procedures for obtaining a medical marijuana ID card (MMIC) vary state to state, and depend on each state’s laws and regulations concerning cannabis. Some states permit use for essentially any condition deemed necessary by an approved physician, while others have strict criteria for who can obtain an MMIC. 

In California, any licensed medical prescriber is authorized to recommend medical cannabis for the following serious medical conditions: 

AIDS; anorexia; arthritis; cachexia (wasting syndrome); cancer; chronic pain; glaucoma; migraine; persistent muscle spasms (e.g., spasms associated with multiple sclerosis); seizures (e.g., epileptic seizures); severe nausea; any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that either substantially limits a person's ability to conduct one or more of major life activities as defined in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the person's safety, physical, or mental health.

In California, a medical recommendation alone serves as legal protection and offers patients some benefits of purchasing a MMIC. However in order to benefit financially in the way of reduced costs when purchasing medical cannabis, one must apply and be approved for an MMIC. A patient may apply for a MMIC with written documentation from their provider through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with a cost of ~$100. A MMIC will allow patients to purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries in California with no sales or use tax (~25-30% in most counties).

Please see CDPH for more information, and be aware that because marijuana is still federally illegal, regulations vary greatly from state by state at this time.

Wondering what the difference between cannabis, hemp, and marijuana? See our FAQ page