Consult with a licensed physician and get a medical marijuana recommendation in California today
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Fill out an easy form with your personal details and answer some basic health related questions.
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Consult with a licensed medical marijuana doctor via a video call and get your health evaluated.
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You will receive an email immediately with your recommendation after you are approved.
Here is why you should get a medical marijuana recommendation instead of choosing recreational cannabis products.
| Benefit | Medical Patients | Recreational Users |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | ✓ | ✓ |
| State Taxes | Pay 15–17% extra in state taxes | Pay 21.5 – 40.75% extra in state taxes |
| Possession Limits | A patient or caregiver can possess up to 8 ounces of product or more if specified by the doctor. | 28.5 grams of flower or no more than eight grams of concentrated cannabis. |
| Age Limit | 18+ years or qualified caregivers | 21+ years |
| Cultivation of Cannabis | ✓ | ✕ |
Watch this video to learn more about getting a card in the California medical marijuana program.
According to current cannabis laws in California, people with the following illnesses are eligible to obtain a medical card:
For any other illness for which marijuana provides relief, doctors in California may prescribe medical cannabis. You can therefore still discuss medical cannabis with your doctor even if your illness is not included on the list.
To apply for a medical marijuana card in California, you must follow a few essential steps to ensure your eligibility and successful registration. The process begins by gathering the necessary documents and information, securing a medical marijuana recommendation, and providing proof of identity.
Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or government-issued photo ID card.
Consult with a registered MMJ physician who can evaluate your condition and provide a recommendation. It is essential to choose a physician who is experienced in treating patients with your specific condition, as they will be able to provide the necessary certification that forms a critical part of your application.
Knowing what your card/ID number allows you to do as a medical marijuana cardholder or user with an ID number on the registry is essential. While both recreational and medical cannabis are legal in California, there are a few rules to follow.
If you have both concentrate and flower in your possession, you cannot exceed the equivalent possession amounts. That is, you cannot consume an ounce of dried cannabis flower and eight grams of concentrate at the same time.
Both recreational and medical marijuana users face some restrictions. Among them are:
Certain medical cannabis users require assistance taking their prescription. For instance, minor patients require the management and administration of their medication by a parent or legal guardian. Individuals suffering from physically incapacitating illnesses can also relate to this. In California, as in most other states, patients are permitted to name a primary caregiver to assist them in managing their medical marijuana.
To obtain their medication, California medical cannabis patients and their caregivers are not required to register formally with the state. They must sign up for the state’s MMIC program, though, if they wish to receive the tax exemption. Beyond getting a doctor’s recommendation, there are a few more steps involved in that registration.
Patients have the option to name a primary caregiver when they complete their MMIC application form. A minor patient’s parent or guardian, an in-home health care provider, a medical facility, or a person who has volunteered to assist the patient can all serve as caregivers.
In California, qualifying caregivers should meet the following conditions:
Aptly named, SB 420 and SB 94 amended certain provisions of the 1996-passed original Compassionate Use Act. The bill states that patients and their caregivers may own or grow up to 12 immature or 6 adult cannabis plants at any given time. In no circumstance may patients or caregivers who possess or grow cannabis sell it without a license.
Before purchasing or growing a plant, patients should find out how much cannabis they are permitted to own or grow because local codes and zoning laws vary by California county. In addition, medical professionals and patients are permitted to travel with a certain quantity of cannabis, and if it is taken during an arrest or car stop, they have the legal right to have it returned. Given that some California counties and cities have outlawed the sale or cultivation of cannabis, it is imperative that patients and caregivers are informed about local ordinances pertaining to these matters.
California allows adults to participate in the home cultivation program. Marijuana may be carried in cars by authorized users, but it must be kept in the trunk or another closed container. Tight, out-of-the-way spaces are required for cannabis plants.
Every state has its own medical cannabis laws. The list of requirements and qualifying medical conditions may vary widely from one state to the next. It’s best to check your state to find out all the factors that can qualify a person for medical cannabis, like age, medical conditions, and residency requirements.
Qualifying conditions vary by state and may include chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, sleep issues, epilepsy, cancer, and more. During your consultation, your Med cards now provider will help determine if you qualify for medical cannabis based on your state’s laws.
Some states, like California, allow doctors to use their own discretion when recommending medical cannabis. In that case, you’d just need to connect with a physician that understands how medical cannabis can help.
In other states, qualifying conditions may be fairly broad, and symptoms that are covered may allow patients to qualify for a variety of conditions. For example, if a state lists chronic pain (many do!), you might be approved for medical cannabis with neuropathy, arthritis, or migraines.
If your condition isn’t listed by your state, you may be able to petition the state office in control of the medical cannabis program to have your condition added. The process varies by state, and medical cannabis may be overseen by different state offices depending on your state.
If you have questions about your condition or the process of being approved for medical cannabis, it’s always best to speak to a qualified physician. Med cards now's doctors are familiar with medical cannabis and the qualifying conditions in the state where they practice. Evaluations with Med cards now are always risk-free, so if you aren’t approved for medical cannabis, you’ll be refunded automatically.
You’ll need to see a licensed medical provider who’s authorized to recommend cannabis in your state. This usually includes physicians (MD or DO) and, in some states, nurse practitioners or physician assistants. Med cards now connects you with licensed professionals online — no in-person appointments required.
Be honest about your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and what treatments you’ve already tried. There’s no script. Your provider is there to understand your situation and determine whether cannabis may be a helpful option.
Each state has its own laws, and benefits can vary from state to state or year to year. Even in states with recreational programs, there are usually valuable benefits to being a medical cannabis patient. Common benefits for medical cannabis patients may include:
Check your state’s page for the benefits of being a medical cannabis patient where you live.
Not necessarily. Recreational cannabis often focuses on higher THC for stronger psychoactive effects, but strength depends on the product and your personal tolerance. Medical cannabis is usually chosen for symptom relief, and medical dispensaries may offer patients a wider selection of products, including those with higher CBD or balanced THC levels.
The total cost for a med card depends on your state. Med cards now evaluations typically range from $39 to $199, with some states charging a separate registration fee. You’ll see all pricing for your state clearly before you start, so there won’t be any surprises. And when you get your med card evaluation through Med cards now, you’re approved or you get your money back.
No, most medical cannabis consultations aren’t covered by insurance because cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. Med cards now charges a flat fee for your doctor’s evaluation, and you get your money back if you aren’t approved.
Med cards now makes getting your medical cannabis recommendation fast and easy, but your state may take longer to process your registration. In some states, it can take up to 30 days to receive your medical cannabis card in the mail. That’s why it’s a great idea to get your evaluation and recommendation as soon as possible.
With Med cards now, you automatically get your money back if you’re not approved. We believe everyone deserves access to a qualified medical cannabis doctor, and the cost of an evaluation shouldn’t be a barrier.
Federal law prohibits cannabis users from owning or purchasing firearms, even in legal states. Some states have taken steps to protect patients’ right to purchase and own firearms, but getting a medical marijuana card may affect your gun rights. If you’re concerned, it’s best to speak with a legal professional familiar with both state and federal law.
Can I renew my med card with Med cards now if I was seen by a different doctor last year?
Federal law prohibits cannabis users from owning or purchasing firearms, even in legal states. Some states have taken steps to protect patients’ right to purchase and own firearms, but getting a medical marijuana card may affect your gun rights. If you’re concerned, it’s best to speak with a legal professional familiar with both state and federal law.
This depends on the state to which you’re traveling. Each state has different rules regarding reciprocity, and some don’t allow it at all. Check with your destination state to learn more.
Almost every state requires state ID and/or proof of permanent residence within the state in order to issue a medical cannabis card. Some states let you use bank statements, a lease, or other government documents to prove your residence. There are a few exceptions, so it’s best to check the laws in your state.
