Quote Originally Posted by anotherjeff
StoneMeadow: Good advice, with an exception. You say, "You can go to any MD or OD with a California license to practice medicine. Your doctor will need copies of your medical records, and will register his/her recommendation with the State, along with the number of the letter he/she issues to you."

imo, This is not true. The ONLY State registration is the the optional county programs.

And you say, "Dispensaries (and anyone else for that matter) can easily check with the State to determine if your mmj card is valid...". Again, no. The website only validates the optional State "card".

There is no reason (that I know of) to obtain a State card.
Thank you...in re-reading my post I did make an error. The doctor will not register you with the state. You must do that yourself through your county health dept if you want to get an mmj "card"

I think the second part I wrote is correct. Notice that I wrote "...determine if your mmj card is valid..." The only "mmj card" is the state card issued through county health depts, so I think you and I are saying the same thing.

This highlights an subtle but important distinction that is often lost on newbies. The recommendation from your doctor and the mmj card are completely distinct. In 1996 Prop 215 created the recommendation provision, which provides for a verbal or written recommendation (ALWAYS get the written recommendation!). Keep the original in a safe place and keep copies in your grow room(s), car(s) and in your wallet.

In 2003 SB 420 was signed into law creating California's "Medical Marijuana Program", a voluntary parallel program that issues the "mmj card".

The two programs overlap somewhat, but are legally distinct.

I do agree with you in that I can see no real reason to get the "card", unless maybe you are flying a lot and carry mmj with you, as the TSA accepts the card to permit you to carry mmj with you on domestic flights. (DON'T think the card gives you immunity outside of California, though! As far as I know, ONLY Arizona recognizes out-of-state mmj cards.)