Medical Cannabis Program

California Medical Cannabis Program

The Medical Cannabis Program (MCP) was established to provide a legal source of medical cannabis for patients with a valid doctor’s recommendation. The program is overseen by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Patients who are eligible for the MCP must have a written recommendation from a licensed physician. They must also be residents of California and have a valid ID card issued by the CDPH. Patients under the age of 18 must have their parents or guardians register on their behalf.

The MCP is not available to recreational cannabis users. It is only open to patients who have been diagnosed with one of the following qualifying medical conditions:

california medical marijuana card
  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Chronic pain
  • Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
  • Seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
  • Muscle spasms, including those caused by multiple sclerosis
  • Any other chronic or debilitating medical condition that is approved by the state Department of Health Services.

The CDPH has a helpful FAQ section on its website that covers many common questions about the MCP. Patients can also call the CDPH Medical Cannabis Program Call Center at (916) 558-1784 for more information or visit The California Department of Public Health (CDPH).


Orange County Medical Cannabis Program


The Orange County Medical Cannabis Program (OCMCP) allows qualified patients and their caregivers to grow, possess, and use Medical Cannabis within certain guidelines. The OCMCP was established in response to the passage of Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.

The OCMCP is a voluntary program and patients must meet the following requirements to participate: Be diagnosed with a serious medical condition that can be alleviated by Medical Cannabis Have tried other treatments for their condition without success. Have a physician’s recommendation to use Medical Cannabis.

To become a patient in the OCMCP, you must first register with the county. You can do this by visiting the Department of Public Health website or by calling (714) 834-2115.

You will need to provide the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • The name of your physician
  • The Medical Cannabis strain you are using or would like to use

Once you have registered, you will be issued a Medical Cannabis Identification Card. This card will allow you to purchase Medical Cannabis from a licensed dispensary. You can also grow Medical Cannabis for personal use, but there are restrictions on the amount you can grow. 

The Orange County Medical Cannabis Program is a great resource for qualified patients. If you are considering using Medical Cannabis to treat a serious medical condition, the OCMCP may be able to help. To learn more, visit the Department of Public Health website or call (714) 834-2115.

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