First try your own doctor. When he refuses, ask for a copy of your medical records (you are sick, aren't you?). Check out canorml's stie and find their list of cannabis friendly doctors. Scrape together $200 (may be less) and make your appointment. Take your medical records with you. In California, the medical cards are not mandatory and until the feds get on the bandwagon, I won't get one. Also, my county is one that does not give them out yet. I do, however, carry a photocopy of my doctor's recommendation with me at all times. There is only one club in my area and it is, by all accounts, a rip off deal. I just have a nice little closet with a secret garden in it. (Big grin!).