Medical cannabis in a recreational market
There’s a lot of confusion surrounding legalization, especially regarding medical cards. We’ve gathered a few key points to help you stay informed:
A medical marijuana recommendation (MMR) is given to you by a doctor and is always needed to purchase medical cannabis.
The state of California is issuing cards, or MMICs, through its Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program. An MMIC offers holders a tax discount on medical cannabis and can only be obtained by those who already have an MMR. You do NOT need an MMIC to purchase medical cannabis from a dispensary.
All MMRs are valid until the expiration date—you do NOT need a new MMR starting Jan. 1.
A number of cities and counties are only allowing medical sales—and even in cities and counties that do allow recreational sales, there will be dispensaries that only have medical licenses. To purchase cannabis in cities, counties and dispensaries that only permit medical sales, you will need an MMR.
MMRs allow you to purchase more cannabis than is normally allowed under legalization—for example, 8oz of flower for MMR holders vs. 1oz for those without a recommendation.
MMRs also have the added benefit of letting you consult with a doctor—instead of a budtender—on what products are best for you.
We’ve gathered a few key points to help you stay informed:
A medical marijuana recommendation (MMR) is given to you by a doctor and is always needed to purchase medical cannabis.
The state of California is issuing cards, or MMICs, through its Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program. An MMIC offers holders a tax discount on medical cannabis and can only be obtained by those who already have an MMR. You do NOT need an MMIC to purchase medical cannabis from a dispensary.
All MMRs are valid until the expiration date—you do NOT need a new MMR starting Jan. 1.
A number of cities and counties are only allowing medical sales—and even in cities and counties that do allow recreational sales, there will be dispensaries that only have medical licenses. To purchase cannabis in cities, counties and dispensaries that only permit medical sales, you will need an MMR.
MMRs allow you to purchase more cannabis than is normally allowed under legalization—for example, 8 oz of flower for MMR holders vs. 1 oz for those without a recommendation.
MMRs also have the added benefit of letting you consult with a doctor—instead of a budtender—on what products are best for you.