Can I be/have a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in California?

Yes, medical marijuana patients in California can have a caregiver. You qualify as a primary caregiver under California marijuana law if:

- You have been designated for that purpose by a legal medical marijuana user
- You are consistently responsible for that person’s housing, health, and/or safety
- The care you provide is independent of assistance you give the person in taking medical marijuana
- You began taking care of the person at or before the time you assumed responsibility for assisting with medical marijuana.
- Primary caregivers are covered under the California Compassionate Use Act (“CUA”)

To apply as a caregiver, follow this process:

1. Completed an MMIC application
2. Provide a copy of medical records, including the patient’s physician’s recommendation for medical marijuana
3. Photo identification for both parties
4. Proof of residence, such as a utility bill, for both parties
5. MMIC application fee

In order to receive a medical marijuana identification card (MMIC), patients and caregivers must apply in person through their appointed county office.