Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find medical marijuana?
The laws mainly protect personal possession and cultivation against state prosecution, see our medical marijuana page. California law SB420 offers some protection for patient collectives. See CaNORML's list of patient collectives. We make no representation as to the quality, service, reliability or compassion of any of the groups.

2. How can I get a doctor's recommendation or approval?
Talk to your own doctor about your medical condition. If s/he will not approve marijuana you can consult a specialist. CaNORML lists some at our cannabis practioners page.

3. How much medical marijuana can I grow or possess?
Prop. 215, passed by the voters in 1996, contained no limits for qualified patients and their primary caregivers. California law SB420, passed by the legislature, established a state baseline "limit" of 6 mature or 12 immature plants plus 8 ounces of marijuana, except where a physician declared more is needed, or where local governments authorize more. A recent appeals court ruling People v. Kelly, struck down the SB420 limits and will be reviewed by the California Supreme Court.

In the meantime, in principle Prop. 215 allows patients whatever is consistent with their personal medical need. If you exceed the SB 420 limits, you are more likely to be arrested or have your medicine seized, but you can defend yourself in court by arguing that the medicine was for your medical needs. SB 420 offers some protections for patient cooperatives, but police have been less than willing in any jurisdiction to see large numbers of plants as not-for-profit ventures. Avoid gardens of 100 plants or more, as these are subject to a federal mandatory minimum of five years in prison.

3. I want to open a patient cooperative.
See our provider guidelines.

4. Can I take my medical marijuana out of state on an airplane?
Some California airports (e.g. LAX and Oakland) have policies respecting patients' rights, but others (e.g. Arcata, Burbank and San Diego) don't. You may not be legal in the state where you land.

5. I am visiting California. Can I use medical marijuana while I am there?
Only if you have a recommendation from a California-licensed doctor.

6. Do I need a state ID card?
Under the law, all that is required is a valid California physician's recommendation or approval. The ID card system established in SB420 is voluntary, although some patient cooperatives require the state card, or some kind of privately issued card.

7. I will be attending college in California in the fall but I'm not a CA resident yet, am I still eligible for 215 treatment?
Only if you have a legitimate medical need that is recommended or approved by a California physician.

8. My job requires drug testing. Am I OK to smoke medical marijuana?
Not necessarily. Unless you are a member of a union or have some other kind of agreement with your employer, s/he does not have to accept your medical exemption. This was decided in a 2008 California Supreme Court case. Pending legislation, AB2279 (Leno) would protect medical marijuana patients in nonsafety-sensitive positions.

9. Can I use medical marijuana while on probation?
This is covered in California Health and Safety Code 11362.795: (a) (1) Any criminal defendant who is eligible to use marijuana pursuant to Section 11362.5 may request that the court confirm that he or she is allowed to use medical marijuana while he or she is on probation or released on bail.
(2) The court's decision and the reasons for the decision shall be stated on the record and an entry stating those reasons shall be made in the minutes of the court.
(3) During the period of probation or release on bail, if a physician recommends that the probationer or defendant use medical marijuana, the probationer or defendant may request a modification of the conditions of probation or bail to authorize the use of medical marijuana.
(4) The court's consideration of the modification request authorized by this subdivision shall comply with the requirements of this section.

People v. Tilehkooh established that state, not federal law, is the prevailing law.

10. Is hash (hashish) legal to possess for medical use?
Yes. See A.G. Rules Hashish Included under Prop 215

11. Where can I find a lawyer?
Check our legal referral page for a list of attorneys who are familiar with marijuana law.

12. How can I support CaNORML?
Yearly memberships are $25 and up, and you receive our quarterly newsletter. Send your contribution today to CaNORML, 2215-R Market St. #278, San Francisco, CA 94114. Also see our mission page.