California is currently a recreational adult use state, meaning anyone 21+ can purchase, possess, and use cannabis. Even though cannabis is legal, there are still reasons to get your California medical marijuana card for the benefits that cardholders have. Getting your medical marijuana card in California is an easy process and is worth the few steps necessary to become a medical cannabis patient.
Tax Savings
Many people in California choose to become medical marijuana patients because of the tax savings. In California, recreational users must pay retail tax and excise tax (27.5% -40.75%). Medical patients only pay the excise tax plus a municipal cannabis company tax (15%-19.75%) This means medical marijuana patients can save up to 25% on taxes!
However, to get this benefit you must register with the state of California after your appointment and get your state medical marijuana identification card. Our team can help assist you register with the medical marijuana program if you are approved as a qualified patient.
Dispensaries
Once you receive your California medical cannabis card, you can legally buy cannabis from medical dispensaries in addition to recreational dispensaries. Medical cannabis dispensaries typically have cannabis products with more THC. For example, medical cannabis products can have lotions with 2000mg of THC compared to 1000mg of THC for recreational patients.
Also, not every California dispensary is for recreational use. Some are strictly for medical marijuana patients.
As a medical marijuana patient, the dispensary will allow you to buy more cannabis daily compared to recreational users.
People who choose to purchase cannabis outside of licensed dispensaries are at risk for purchasing untested products. Untested products can contain mold, chemicals, pesticides, or mycotoxins. It is always best to purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary. It is a guarantee that what is on the package is what you are taking when buying from a dispensary.
Possession
If you are a medical marijuana cardholder, you may be able to buy more cannabis at a time for your medical condition. This means you will have to make less trips to the dispensary and can have a bigger supply at home. Additionally, you will be able to possess more cannabis than recreational users. Recreational users may only have up to 1 oz of flower and 8 g of concentrate.
Medical marijuana patients can possess what is “consistent with the patient’s needs.” This means there is no possession limit specified for a medical marijuana patient.
Cultivation
Medical patients may grow more plants at home if it is recommended by their physician. If you are at least 21 years old, you can grow up to 6 cannabis plants as a recreational user.
If you are a medical marijuana patient, you can have up to 100 square feet of grow area per residence as long as the total canopy area does not exceed 100 square feet.
We advise checking the California state website to find the rules and regulations for growing. Local ordinances may limit or ban medical cultivation.
Age Limit
If you are under 21, you cannot purchase cannabis from a dispensary. To purchase cannabis recreationally, you must be at least 21 years old.
However, the exception to this rule is if you are a medical marijuana patient. Medical marijuana patients may be 18 years or older. So, if you are 18+ and your doctor believes cannabis can help your health condition, you can become a medical marijuana patient. Being a medical marijuana patient is the only way to use and purchase cannabis if you are under 21 years old.
PrestoDoctor Can Help
Even though cannabis is legal and recreational in California, there are still many benefits for getting your medical marijuana card. Huge tax savings and a wider array of stronger medicinal cannabis products are just a few of the benefits.
It is always better to be caught using cannabis with a medical marijuana card. This proves to law enforcement you are a certified, registered patient using cannabis to treat a health condition.
PrestoDoctor can help you get your medical marijuana card, fast, easy, and private. Our doctors are 100% online and appointments are done from wherever is most comfortable for you.
To get started, create an account and upload basic identifying documents. You will then fill out a brief medical questionnaire and select a date, time, and doctor of your choosing.
Once it is time for your appointment, the doctor will video call you. They may ask you some questions based on the health questionnaire you filled out. Appointments are typically 15-30 minutes.
Our doctors are certified physicians who are knowledgeable about cannabis. If you have any questions about how to get started, message our live chat and talk to our support team. You may also email us at [email protected] for further questions.