In 1996, California became the first state in the nation to make marijuana legal to use for medicinal purposes. Today, it's a $2 billion a year business, generating more than $100 million annually in state revenues.
In early September, the first TV ad for medical cannabis aired on a Sacramento station. The station's general manager told CBS News that he heard no complaints from viewers.
Entering the Mainstream
Medical marijuana is slowly becoming an accepted part of mainstream California life, and is gaining momentum in other states as well. The other states that have legalized medicinal marijuana use are Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Michigan, New Mexico, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Rhode Island.
When Californians overwhelmingly approved the historic medical marijuana initiative 14 years ago, the purpose of the proposed law was straightforward: "To ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that the person's health would benefit from the use of marijuana in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief."
Almost Complete Participation in the Program
Ninety-seven percent of California counties participate in the MMP (Medical Marijuana Program), including San Diego County.
The MMP is administered through a patient's resident county. After receiving a doctor's recommendation for the use of medicinal marijuana, a patient (and a primary caregiver) applies for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card; the fees for the card fully support MMP.
Qualifying for MMP
Patients must have the following in order to qualify for participation in MMP:
- Residency and proof of residency in the county where you apply
- Proof of your identity (a government-issued photo ID card or birth certificate)
- Documentation in your medical file of a doctor's recommendation of the use of medicinal marijuana for a physical or psychological condition
- Application fees
- An accurately, completely filled-out application form
Violations of the Law
People who use marijuana for medicinal or other purposes without completing the outlined steps and application process can be subject to prosecution under California drug possession and trafficking laws.
If you face a charge of marijuana possession, possession with intent to distribute or a similar drug charge, contact a California criminal defense attorney who knows the law and knows how to protect your rights and liberty. A criminal defense lawyer assesses the facts of the case and the allegations against you and works to get criminal charges reduced or dismissed, or find alternative sentencing measures appropriate for your circumstances.
