For Immediate Release Contact: Leigh Hall, MD
Date: January 10, 2005 Title: Deputy Health Officer
Phone: 565-4401
Sonoma County Implements Medical Marijuana ID Card Program
Sonoma County’s Department of Health Services has begun providing application packets to Sonoma County residents who wish to participate in the State’s voluntary Medical Marijuana ID Card (MMIC) Program. The Office of Vital Statistics, located at 625 5th Street, Santa Rosa, is distributing the packets, verifying and processing the applications and issuing the cards.
The MMIC Program is the result of Senate Bill (SB) 420 that requires the State to establish and maintain a statewide medical marijuana identification card and registry program for qualified patients and their caregivers. The intent of the legislation is to assist law enforcement in identifying Californians who are protected by the Compassionate Use Act and to provide patients and their caregivers with a form of identification that would protect them against wrongful arrest and prosecution. The MMIC Program allows patients to apply for and receive Medical Marijuana ID Cards for themselves and their primary caregiver through their county of residence. Sonoma County is the 11th county in California to implement a MMIC Program.
Although the program is voluntary, patients choosing to participate must apply for the MMIC in the county in which they reside. The ID cards are valid for one year and can be renewed annually thereafter. Both patients and their caregiver(s) may apply for a card. There is an $160 application fee; however if the patient is a current MediCal recipient, the fee is $80.
Applications can be picked up at the Vital Statistics office Monday – Friday between the hours of 9 am – 4 pm. Appointments with Vital Statistics staff are required to submit and review completed applications. In addition to the application, applicants are required to submit a government –issued photo ID card, proof of county residency, appropriate application fee and documentation from their physician regarding discussion of medical marijuana as part of a treatment plan.
For additional information on the MMIC Program, visit the Sonoma County website at http://www.sonoma-county.org/health/ph/vital_statistics/, or call the Sonoma County Office of Vital Statistics at 707 565-4442.