Medical Marijuana ID Program

Do I have to be a Sonoma County resident in order to receive a MMIC?

No, any California resident that is a qualified patient can apply for a MMIC; however, you must apply for your MMIC in the county where you reside. Proof of residency is required.

What can I submit as proof of residency?

- A current and valid motor vehicle driver's license or identification card issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This includes the DMV DL43 "Change of Address Certification Card;" or
- A current and valid California motor vehicle registration bearing your name and your current residence within the county; or
- A current rent or mortgage receipt or utility bill in your name bearing your current address within the county.
Can I obtain my recommendation for medical marijuana from an out-of-county physician?

Yes. The attending physician must have a license in good standing issued by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, but there are no residency requirements for the physician.

Is a medical marijuana recommendation considered a prescription?

No. Federal law prohibits doctors from writing prescriptions for illegal drugs. Marijuana is not considered legal by the federal government, and federal law still provides that use or possession of marijuana is a crime.

Can my caregiver also obtain a MMIC?

Yes. If you designate a primary caregiver on your application form, your primary caregiver must present photographic identification, and complete Section 4 on the form at the same time you submit your application. The application fee for the caregiver card will be based on the application fee of the patient/applicant.

Can I have more than one primary caregiver?

Yes, if your primary caregiver is the owner or operator of a facility providing medical care and/or supportive services to a qualified patient. No more than three employees can be designated as "primary caregiver" by the owner or operator.

Can a primary caregiver care for more than one patient at a time?

Yes. However, if an individual has been designated as the primary caregiver by two or more qualified patients, the primary caregiver and all the qualified patients must reside in the same city or county.

Can I have a caregiver who lives out of the county? Yes. The primary caregiver must prove California residency. Is further restricted to being the primary caregiver for only that patient. The primary caregiver must prove California residency. Is further restricted to being the primary caregiver for only that patient.

Can I be a primary caregiver for a resident of another county?

Yes, but that will restrict you to being the primary caregiver for only that patient.

Is my MMIC recognized in other California counties?

Yes. This is a statewide identification card program.

Does a MMIC protect me from all law enforcement?

No. In particular, it does not protect you from federal law enforcement agencies.

What information will appear on the MMIC?

- A photo of the cardholder.
- A unique user identification number issued by The California Office of County Health Services Medical Marijuana Program.
- The expiration date.
- The name and telephone number of the county agency that approved the application.
- A web-based Internet URL that will enable state and local law enforcement officers, the public and others to have immediate access to verify the validity of the card.
What MMIC cardholder personal information is available to anyone (including law enforcement) accessing the MMIC website?

When the MMIC unique identification number is entered through the MMIC website, a "valid card" or "invalid card" response is generated. No other information is accessible.

How long will a MMIC be valid?

Qualified patient and primary caregiver cards are valid for one year. If the primary caregiver applies for a card at a later date than the patient's MMIC, the primary caregiver MMIC will have the same expiration date as the patient's MMIC.

How do I renew my MMIC?

Renewing a MMIC requires the same process as applying for a new MMIC. This includes submitting the application form with supporting documentation and paying the appropriate application fee.

How do I replace my MMIC if it is lost, stolen or damaged?

To replace a lost, stolen or damaged card, the applicant must reapply for a new MMIC and repay the current application fee. The Office of Vital Statistics will notify the California Office of County Health Services Medical Marijuana Program to invalidate the Unique User Identification Number (UUID) on the missing card. Vital Statistics has the option of referring to applications. Supporting documentation on file or to require the applicant to submit a new application with supporting documentation. In either case, the application information and supporting documents must be verified.

What medical documentation is needed to apply for a MMIC?

You must provide written documentation completed by your physician that states that you have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and that the medical use of marijuana is appropriate. Your doctor must maintain a copy of the statement in your medical file. The California Department of Health Services offers the use of the Written Documentation of Patient's Medical Records Form (MMP Form No. 9044) as a convenience.

Can a minor apply for a card?

Yes, a minor can apply as a qualified patient or caregiver. If a minor is applying as a qualified patient, they must be lawfully emancipated or have declared self-sufficiency status. If the minor applicant is neither of these, the minor's parent, legal guardian, or person with legal authority to make medical decisions for the minor applicant must complete Section 2 of the medical marijuana ID card program application.