On November 8 last year, Californians approved Proposition 64. This made recreational cannabis legal in the state for anyone aged 21-years or older, but what happens to medical patients? How does this law affect them? Must they still spend time and money on getting a Medical Marijuana Card in California, or even their medical marijuana recommendation? Will the process change for them or remain the same?
Technically, you do not need a Medical Marijuana Card under the law. However, it is highly advisable that you get one. Cannabis is still illegal federally, and enforcement still uncertain and riddled with misunderstandings. Furthermore, the state does want patients to register and comply fully with its regulations. Legally, you do need a recommendation letter from your doctor, but not an actual card.
Having said that, getting a Medical Marijuana Card is easy to do, very affordable, and well worth the state protection that it provides. It is much simpler to have your card with you, instead of carting your doctor’s letter around, and it ensures full compliance with state regulations, which makes purchasing high-grade medical cannabis a legal right of yours.
Medical Marijuana Recommendations in California
Unfortunately, cannabis dispensaries will not start catering to recreational consumers until early next year. It takes time to draft and implement rules and regulations for its sale and use. Under Proposition 64, the “Bureau of Marijuana Control” will not be issuing any licenses before at least January 1, 2018. It will only start providing licenses once all laws are final and in place.
Unless you are willing and able to wait until then, the law requires you to have a doctor’s letter of recommendation for you to enjoy the wonders of California’s marijuana industry. You will not be able to access delivery services or dispensaries without a physician’s say-so, nor will you be able to grow your own. Luckily, medical marijuana recommendations are very easy to get in California.
Easy Ways to Get Medical Marijuana Recommendations
Proposition 215, approved by voters in 1996, made medical cannabis legal for anyone using it to treat a medical condition. The bill’s liberal language says that this applies to “any condition for which marijuana provides relief.” Because of this, anyone in California can become a genuine medical marijuana patient, as cannabis relieves people of many common symptoms associated with most diseases these days.
You only need a state I.D., from any state within the United States, or a valid driver’s license to be eligible for medical patient status. You will also need an authentic letter of recommendation from a doctor, specifically stating that you may use cannabis as treatment. So, how do you get a legitimate medical marijuana recommendation in California?
Visit Your Primary Doctor
Few patients get recommendations from their primary physicians. This is because most will not write one for you. Although talking to the doctor who knows you is the quickest and easiest way to get a medical marijuana recommendation, this is only true if he or she will do it. Physicians are becoming increasingly willing to write cannabis recommendations, so it is worth discussing it with your doctor.
Go to a 420 Evaluation Center
Because of the unwillingness of most doctors to write marijuana recommendations for patients, a niche speciality has grown for those who will. Specialised “weed doctors” are writing letters for Californians in need of legal approval. You can find them at any 420 Evaluation Center, of which there are many in most major cities. Long queues and dodgy areas do not always promise a pleasant experience, however.
Consult with a Doctor Online
Going online is without doubt the safest, most affordable, quickest, and most convenient method of way of getting medical marijuana recommendations. You can purchase your Medical Marijuana Card at the same time, as well, and enjoy the benefits of official state protection. Thanks to the state’s telehealth laws, doctors can now legally consult with their patients online, which typically occur via video chat.
Getting a Medical Marijuana Card in California
If you purchase your medical marijuana recommendation online, consider getting a medical marijuana card too. Having one will allow you access to the highest quality cannabis available in marijuana dispensary in California, from any dispensary of your choosing. Although you can buy medical marijuana legally with just a doctor’s letter of recommendation, having a Medical Marijuana Card ensures full compliance with the state.
Fortunately, the entire process is quick and very easy to do. After discussing your health problems with a “weed doctor” online, he or she will email your marijuana recommendation to you immediately, which you can use just as quickly as you can print it out. If you order your Medical Marijuana Card for just a few dollars more at the same time, then you will receive it a few days later via ordinary mail.