Keep scrolling to learn about how NuggMD makes getting your California medical card easy.
Approved or your money back.
Not in California?
Not in California?
NuggMD California connects prospective patients with state-licensed medical cannabis doctors so you can get your required medical evaluation fast, easy, and online from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Browse our full list of patient FAQs , or contact our customer service team for one-on-one support.
To get a California medical marijuana card , an individual must have a physician's recommendation. Registering for a state MMIC card is optional.
What is required to get a medical marijuana evaluation in California?With NuggMD, you don’t need any special documentation other than a California state ID, driver’s license, or a U.S. passport. If you've got medical records that can help your doctor better evaluate your condition, you should also upload these during the signup process. If you're planning on applying for a state MMIC after your NuggMD evaluation (optional), you’ll need a doctor’s recommendation, your valid government-issued I.D., your photo taken at the county’s medical marijuana program office, and proof that you live in the county.
How do I obtain an MMIC?The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) administers the Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) program. The Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) was established to provide a voluntary medical marijuana identification card issuance and registry program for qualified patients and their caregivers.
What's the difference between a doctor's recommendation and an MMIC?The official paper copy of your medical marijuana recommendation is what you legally need to access dispensaries and defend yourself against unjust prosecution by the law. The voluntary MMIC is simply a more convenient proof of your patient status and contains the information needed to verify it, including that of a police officer. However, we recommend keeping a paper copy of your recommendation in your car at all times, just in case. Most patients purchase an extra copy of their recommendation at checkout for this exact reason. MMIC holders get an extra benefit that doesn't come with just a doctor's recommendation. In California, only MMIC holders are exempt from the state sales tax on medical marijuana. If you only have a recommendation, your cannabis will cost just as much as recreational cannabis does.
What if I don't have a California ID? Can I still get a California MMJ card?Yes, even without a California ID, you can still become an MMJ patient in the state. Any ID from the U.S. can be used with NuggMD to receive an MMJ evaluation. As of this time, we cannot, unfortunately, accept or use any identification from any other country besides the United States. However, a U.S. visa that includes a photo of yourself along with your date of birth can be used.
I don’t have CA ID. Can I use my passport?Yes, absolutely! We accept any U.S. government-issued form of identification, which includes: Passport, Driver’s License, State ID, Visa, Green Card, Employment Authorization, etc.
How can I find a qualified medical marijuana doctor in California?NuggMD is happy to help California patients with their MMJ evaluations. Patients can easily find a qualified doctor to evaluate them using our platform. Every one of our partnering CA physicians is fully licensed in California and have received the necessary training and certification by the state.
How much does it cost to get a medical marijuana evaluation in California using NuggMD?We offer one of the best prices for a 12-month CA medical card recommendation. If you aren't approved, you'll receive a full refund and won't pay a thing.
How much does it cost to register for the MMIC in California?State registration is optional in California, but if you choose to register for a MMIC, you’ll be responsible for your county’s registration fee.
Is an MMJ recommendation the same thing as California MMIC?No, it is not the same. The bare minimum that is required to purchase MMJ at dispensaries is a medical marijuana recommendation issued by your physician. If they so choose, patients can opt to get an additional MMIC issued by the Department of Public Health. This is meant to be an additional layer of legal protection, proof of your MMJ patient status, and an exemption from paying the sales and use taxes. MMIC includes all the information necessary to verify their validity if need be. Nevertheless, keeping a physical copy of your MMJ recommendation on your person or in your car may be wise. In those cases, you need to provide proof of patient status quickly. For this reason, we make it possible to order multiple copies of your recommendation if you would like them. Those patients with MMICs also are exempt from the state sales tax on medicinal cannabis sales. In contrast, those patients without an MMIC are paying the same amount as recreational users.
Do I need to register with the MMIC?No, registering with the state for an MMIC is optional; however, if you opt out, you will be subject to all the taxes on cannabis purchases.
Who qualifies for medical marijuana in California?In order to qualify for medical cannabis in California , you must be a permanent resident of the state over the age of 18. Minor patients can also apply with the permission of a parent or legal guardian who must be designated as their primary caregiver. While California does have a list of qualifying medical conditions, the state also allows physicians to use their own discretion in recommending cannabis to patients they feel will benefit from it. As long as you’re a California resident and your physician thinks medical cannabis is a good fit, you can qualify for the state’s program.
What medical conditions qualify for medicinal cannabis treatments in California?California doctors may prescribe cannabis for the following conditions or any other chronic or persistent symptom that either substantially limits a person's ability to conduct one or more of major life activities as defined by the ADA or may cause serious harm to the person’s safety, mental, or physical health if not alleviated. AIDS
Anorexia
Arthritis
Cachexia
Cancer
Chronic pain
Glaucoma
Migraines
Muscle spasms
Seizures
Severe nausea
Yes. California law allows physicians to recommend cannabis for “any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.” As long as your condition is serious enough or there’s a documented history of the condition being treated effectively with cannabis, there’s a chance you can find a physician willing to recommend medical cannabis.
Will health insurance cover the cost of my medical marijuana?Unfortunately not. Hopefully soon (once more scientific research has been done and the schedule 1 drug status is removed) insurance companies will cover the costs of medical marijuana evaluations and treatment for patients.
What are the benefits that come with a California MMIC?Even though recreational cannabis is legal in California, there are several compelling reasons to get your medical cannabis recommendation . Medical cannabis patients can purchase a wider range of cannabis products from more dispensaries. Patients have access to all of the state’s medical cannabis dispensaries, in addition to the many recreational ones. Then, there are some products–especially those with higher concentrations of THC–which are restricted to medical use only. Recreational users can’t purchase them, but medical patients can. Some dispensaries even offer exclusive sales and savings to medical patients only. Medical cannabis patients can purchase and possess significantly more cannabis at once than recreational users. Recreational cannabis users are limited to purchases of 1 ounce of cannabis at a time. Medical patients are legally allowed to purchase up to 8 ounces of cannabis. Registered MMIC patients are also exempt from the 8% to 10% sales and use taxes. California law also offers more protections to medical cannabis patients, too. As of 2022, California law forbids someone’s status as a medical cannabis patient from being used to deny them an organ transplant. These protections are not extended to recreational users.
Get Your Card Billed only if approved.
" Outside of a wait to connect with a doctor the whole thing is seamless and efficient. Honestly, waiting 15 minutes to “see” a doctor is typical in an office anyway. Quick and easy process."
" Could not have been an easier process! From online doctor interview to receiving temporary ID card by email, it was so straightforward and quick. So happy I found NuggMD!"
" The evaluation was easy to fill out and I was contacted by a doctor within minutes. It made what could have been a complicated process straightforward, highly recommend!"
" NuggMD walked me through the process and held my hand (figuratively) the whole way. Registering was quick and easy . and unbelievably fast. I definitely recommend their services."
" I really appreciate the fast and easy navigation of the website. I was kept informed thru the whole process. It is reassuring to know I can have a stress-free experience with NuggMD. Thank you!"
