Frequently Asked Questions About a Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC)

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• What is the Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP)?

  • The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) MMICP assists counties in issuing state-authorized Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) to qualified patients and their primary caregivers.  

• Why should I apply for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC)?

  • An MMIC allows qualified patients and primary caregivers to legally have, grow, transport and/or use medical marijuana in California.

• What serious medical condition(s) do I need to have to qualify for an MMIC?
  • To qualify, you must have a serious medical condition. This includes: 
    • AIDS
    • Anorexia
    • Arthritis
    • Cachexia (condition that causes weight loss and muscle loss)
    • Cancer
    • Chronic pain
    • Glaucoma  
    • Migraine
    • Persistent muscle spasms
    • Seizures
    • Severe nausea
    • Any other chronic or lasting symptom that either:
      • Limits your ability to do one or more major life activity; or 
      • May cause harm to your safety, physical, or mental health if not relieved. 
• Can I obtain my MMIC recommendation from an out-of-county medical provider?

  • Yes, the attending medical provider must have a license in good standing issued by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. There are no residency requirements for the medical provider.

• Is a Medical Marijuana recommendation considered a prescription?

  • No, a prescription must be federally approved. Marijuana is not recognized as legal by the federal government, federal law criminalizes the use of medical marijuana.

• Is my MMIC recognized in other counties?

  • Yes, this is a statewide identification program.

• Do I have to be a San Diego County resident to receive a MMIC?

  • No, any California resident that is a qualified patient can apply for an MMIC. You must apply for your MMIC in the county where you live. Proof of residency is required.

• What MMIC cardholder personal information will be available to law enforcement?

  • 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.

• What information will appear on the card?
  • A unique identification number assigned to the cardholder.
  • Date of expiration of the identification card.
  • Name and telephone number of the County program that approved the application.
  • Internet address used to verify the validity of the MMIC.
  • Photo identification of the cardholder.
  • "Patient" or "Primary Caregiver" to specify the cardholder.

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• Where do I go to get an application?

  • Download and print the Medical Marijuana Program Application/Renewal Form or call (619) 692-5723 to have an application mailed to you.

• How long will it take to get my MMIC?

  • Processing time can take up to 35 days to receive your MMIC once the application is accepted. If any information or documents are missing, your application processing may be delayed. If this is the case, the County will contact you within 30 days from the date your application is submitted.

• What information/documentation is required to apply for an MMIC?
  • The qualified patient will need to provide:
    • A completed Medical Marijuana Program Application/Renewal Form.
    • A valid government-issued photo ID.
    • Proof of residency in San Diego County, such as:
      • Rental or mortgage agreement,
      • Utility bill, or
      • California DMV motor vehicle registration.
    • Written documentation or the Written Documentation of Patient's Medical Records Form from your medical provider.
    • The application fee for each MMIC requested.
    • Your photo will be taken at the time of application. 
• Can a minor apply for a card?
  • Yes, a minor (under 18 years of age) can apply as a patient or caregiver.
    • A minor may apply for themselves as qualified patients if they are lawfully emancipated or have declared self-sufficiency status.
      • If neither, the minor must have a parent, legal guardian, or person with legal authority with them at the appointment. 
    • A minor or the minor's parent of a qualified patient may apply as a primary caregiver. The minor needs to be lawfully emancipated or have declared self-sufficiency status.
• What happens to my application and other private health information after I give it to my county’s MMIC Program?

  • After you pick up your MMIC card, the only document we keep is the confirmation from the state. This includes the number shown on your card. All other documents are shredded.

• How long is an MMIC valid?

  • The MMIC may be valid for up to one year. A primary caregiver MMIC will expire when the patient's card expires even if it is less than 12 months.

• Is there a fee for applying for an MMIC?
  • Yes, the current fee is $44 (or $22 for Medi-Cal beneficiaries), for each MMIC issued for the patient and their caregiver(s).
    • A Current Benefit Identification Card (BIC) and/or Medi-Cal card need to be presented at the appointment. 
• Can I get my application fee refunded if I do not qualify?

  • No, application fees are non-refundable.

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• What information/documentation does a primary caregiver need to apply for an MMIC?
  • A qualified patient must apply for their primary caregiver. Both the primary caregiver and the qualified patient must be present at the appointment.
  • The primary caregiver will need to provide:
    • A completed Medical Marijuana Program Application/Renewal Form. They must complete and sign the "Primary Caregiver Declaration" portion of the Medical Marijuana Program Application/Renewal Form.
    • A valid government-issued photo ID.
    • The application fee for each MMIC requested.
    • A photo will be taken at the time of application. 
• Can I have more than one primary caregiver?

  • Yes, but only 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 may serve as caregivers.