How to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in California
California has a robust cannabis market available to residents, medical patients, and tourists. Adults 21 and over have had access to recreational cannabis at various dispensaries throughout the state since 2018. California’s medical marijuana program has been in place since 1996 and is available for those with a physician's recommendation. Adults 18 and older can access medical marijuana, as well as minors, with a doctor’s recommendation and parental consent.
In addition to parental consent, minors in the medical marijuana program will need a designated caregiver at least 18 years old. Their caregiver can also be the parent who gave permission, but either way, the caregiver must register with the state. For medical patients over 18, a caregiver is optional.
This article will cover more about the requirements and laws affecting the role and how to become a caregiver in California.
How to Become a Medical Cannabis Caregiver in California
To become a caregiver for a medical cannabis patient in California, you must be at least 18 years old or be the parent or legal guardian of the child who qualifies. To obtain an MMIC, the caregiver must visit their county’s health department and apply with the patient in person.
The application process requires the caregiver to
- Fill out their portion and sign the required application
- Present an official form of identification
- Have their photo taken
- Pay the required fee
If a patient changes caregivers, this must be reported to the country health department that they are registered with. Some offices require an appointment to be made.
The caregiver must renew their status annually at the same time as the patient. California caregivers may have more than one patient as long as the patients are within the same county as the caregiver, for up to five patients.
California medical cannabis caregivers are not permitted to be medical cannabis patients and are limited to the same purchasing and cultivation limits given by the state for adult-use consumers.
What is a Medicinal Marijuana Caregiver (and Who Qualifies in California)?
Medical cannabis caregivers in California are responsible for maintaining their designated patients' health, home, well-being, and medications.
Caregivers may be “an individual or the owner, operator or employee of an appropriately licensed clinic, facility, hospice, or home health agency, ” according to the California Department of Public Health.
While CA caregivers may not obtain their own California Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC), they may provide care for up to five medical cannabis patients as long as they are in the same county.
To register as a medical cannabis caregiver in California, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Apply in person with the patient
- Provide proof of identity
- Be photographed
- Complete and Sign the “Primary Caregiver Declaration” of the application
- Pay the required fees. Fees will vary per county.
California Laws for MMJ Caregivers and Their Patients
Designating a Caregiver in California
In California, patients must first qualify for medical cannabis treatment through the recommendation of a medical physician. Patients may see a licensed physician of their choice.
Patients may designate any one person over 18 to be their primary caregiver. The caregiver may work, own, or be employed by a licensed medical facility, company, or organization.
To receive full legal protections and tax exemptions, the patient and caregiver must register together for an MMIC. The caregiver must fill out and sign their portion of the application in person simultaneously with the patient. They will need proof of identification, have their photo taken, and pay the required fee. Fees vary by county, and waivers are available based on eligibility.
Caregivers may take on more than one medical cannabis patient only if they are within the same county; if a patient’s caregiver changes at any point, they must update their application. Individuals no longer designated as the primary caregiver for a patient must return their MMIC to their county.
Cultivating Cannabis as a Caregiver in California
Caregivers in California may possess, transport, and cultivate cannabis for the patient within the state’s designated legal limits. They may be required to hold documentation as proof of the amounts they are in possession of.
Caregivers may cultivate up to 6 mature or 12 immature plants per medical cannabis patient.
Learn more about California’s cannabis laws and regulations, visit our California patient FAQs, or speak with a member of our highly-rated customer service team for additional guidance on how to designate a caregiver and how to get your medical cannabis card in California.
