Reasons to Get a Medical Card in California

elderly man with cannabis joint

California was the first state to introduce a medical cannabis program. Even after recreational cannabis came into law in the state, there remain numerous benefits to getting or renewing a medical card. 

This guide explores the specific benefits for qualifying patients holding a medical card in the Golden State.

8 Essential Reasons California Residents are Getting a Med Card

Despite the legalization of recreational cannabis in California, many residents are opting to get or keep their medical card. Below are just a few of the top reasons why California residents are choosing to become medical cannabis patients.

  • Access safe, tested medicine. Purchasing medical cannabis from a legal dispensary helps ensure you’re getting the accurate, safe, and tested product you deserve.
  • Shop at medical-only dispensaries. Recreational consumers are limited to recreational dispensaries. Medical cannabis patients can shop at any of CA’s medical dispensaries, giving them greater access to more stores and products.
  • Purchase cannabis while traveling. California medical cannabis patients can participate in out-of-state medical marijuana reciprocity programs. Some states will require your MMIC to qualify if they have reciprocity for cannabis.
  • Have larger purchase limits. Medical patients can purchase up to eight ounces of cannabis, while recreational consumers are limited to one ounce.
  • Access exclusive, patient-only sales. Across the state, some California dispensaries offer special discounts that are exclusive to medical cannabis patients.
  • Enjoy a wider product selection. As a medical patient in CA, gain access to topical and even oral dissolvables with much higher concentrations of THC.
  • Experience increased legal protections as a patient. California has had strong legal protections for organ transplant recipients who are medical cannabis patients, as well as parents. The state is also working on more protections to expand the rights of cannabis patients.
  • Receive proper medical guidance. Get support from a qualified practitioner and, if needed, a caregiver, who can help answer your questions and maintain access to your medicine.
Get Your California Medical Card Online Get approved today in minutes with the nation's #1 trusted medical card provider. Get Started No appointment needed. Only billed if approved.

California Medical Cannabis Patient Testimonials

Getting your medical cannabis card in California is fast and easy when you use NuggMD's streamlined process. Look at what past NuggMD cannabis patients have to say about their experience with our platform.

5 star review

"I really liked how quick and painless the process was. The doctor took the time to talk to me about cannabis and give me some information on best practices. Thank you NuggMD!"

-Nick B.

5 star review

"Hello to the future! In just 5 minutes, the doctor called me, asked about my medical history, and that's it! Renewal in and faster than driving to the store. Im still in shock. Somebody pinch me!"

-Olivia K.

5 star review

"My mom used to tell me: 'If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!' This may be the one time she was wrong. (Sorry Ma). NuggMD is the only place you need to get your med card in CA."

-Emily T.

5 star review

"Professionalism at its finest... Everything went so smooth and I didn't even have to wait 45 minutes in an office with sick people. Getting my card was so EASY! I couldn't be happier with the service."

-Damon S.

Get Your California Medical Marijuana Card the Easy Way

mmj card

Getting your medical cannabis card in California doesn't have to be an intimidating or overwhelming process. Through NuggMD California, the steps are straightforward and efficient.

  1. Sign up and connect with a state-certified medical practitioner in as little as 15 minutes.
  2. Once approved, receive your electronic recommendation you can use immediately.
  3. Utilize your certification to access medical cannabis at dispensaries across the state.

The evaluation may seem complex, but NuggMD works to make it a stress-free experience. Reach out to NuggMD's highly-rated customer service team or explore our CA patient FAQs or the state's cannabis laws and regulations for more info. Learn how to get a med card in California today.

Get Your California Medical Card Online Get approved today in minutes with the nation's #1 trusted medical card provider. Get Started No appointment needed. Only billed if approved.
Successful team

The NuggMD Promise

We are a team of cannabis and technology professionals focused on connecting you with state-licensed doctors. We believe all people deserve access to medical cannabis if they think it might improve their quality of life. Since our founding in 2015, we’ve held ourselves and our partners to the highest standards to ensure every patient we serve is able to access reliable cannabis information, trustworthy medical practitioners, and proactive updates on the cannabis healthcare ecosystem and legislation that may affect their experience as a medical cannabis patient.

Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or thinking of becoming a first-time medical marijuana patient, our network of doctors will listen to your needs and give you an honest opinion about whether they think cannabis can help.

Billed only if approved.