A number of states, including Oregon, Hawaii and Colorado, have mandatory registration systems, but the DEA has never sought to subpoena their records. California NORML believes this danger is overblown. Some patients have expressed fear that registering with the state program could expose them to federal arrest, since the DEA might try to subpoena their records.

However, they do not afford the same legal protection as state cards. They are officially recognized by police in Oakland and some other cities, as well as by private providers throughout the state. The longest established private card program in the state is run by the Patient ID Center, with offices in Oakland (51: OCBC cards are available to any resident in California. Patients who cannot or wish not to get state ID cards may get identification cards from other, privately run agencies. Many doctors are now offering cards with 24-hour verification. 215 patients (all that is required under Prop 215 is a valid physician’s recommendation or approval). Patients need not enroll in the CA state program to enjoy legal status as Prop.

Patient names and addresses are not kept in the state’s data base: the only information retained is a personal photo and ID number. The state ID card system has safeguards to protect patient privacy. Although we fought hard to keep the ID program voluntary, California NORML’s advice to patients is that they will probably be safer from arrest if they enroll in the state ID program. Patients and caregivers can apply for the card from their county health department. All of Califoria’s 58 counties except Sutter and Colusa have implemented ID card programs. Under state law SB (Senate Bill) 420, state ID cards afford legal protection from marijuana charges for patients and caregivers acting in compliance with guidelines spelled out in SB 420. 64, qualified patients or their primary caregivers will be exempted from retail sales tax on medical cannabis if they present a valid Medical Marijuana Identification Card issued by the California Department of Public Health at the time of purchase.Įnrollment in the CA state ID program is voluntary. This means permanent residents, Visa holders, and those who are not naturalized nor are a natural-born citizen. Reports are that ICE is asking if people have their cards and/or use medical marijuana, and using that as grounds for deportation on grounds that they are in violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act. citizen, think about whether you should carry your medical cannabis recommendation with you.

California state id template