If you need a medical card, whether you're applying for the first time or renewing an existing one, this guide will walk you through both processes.

Below, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to get a medical card and renew your medical card to ensure you stay compliant and continue receiving the benefits you need.

This article is all about how to get your Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) in California and the awesome perks that come with it. You'll learn about the benefits like tax exemptions, exclusive discounts, priority services, larger purchase limits, and access to higher potency products, plus a step-by-step guide on how to apply. 

Welcome to the RISE community! Becoming a patient is easy and we're thrilled to guide you through the process of receiving your medical marijuana identification card (MMIC) in California. Upon receiving your MMIC, which is issued by the state*, you'll gain access to a host of exclusive benefits designed to elevate your experience and make your wellness journey even more rewarding. 

Having your MMIC opens the door to a variety of perks that go beyond what adult-use consumers can access. Here are some of the top benefits you'll enjoy when you shop with us at RISE: 

Pay Fewer Taxes: Patients or their primary caregivers are exempt from state, city, and county sales taxes if they present a valid MMIC. Pro Tip: See the financial benefits of having a medical card by using our tax calculator. It's a great tool to see how much money you can save on your purchases each year.   

Exclusive In-Store Discounts: You'll receive special discounts on a variety of products at our RISE Pasadena dispensary. This means more savings on the products you love! 

Priority Services: Skip the lines and enjoy a medical-only queue whenever you visit our RISE Pasadena dispensary. We value your time and strive to make your experience as seamless and educational as possible. 

Larger Purchase Limits: You can purchase up to eight ounces of cannabis, compared to the one-ounce limit for recreational consumers. This allows you to stock up on your favorite products without frequent trips. 

Access to Higher Potency Products: Having your MMIC unlocks access to higher potency products like edibles, concentrates, tinctures that are not available to recreational consumers. 

Third-Party Medical Recommendations: These are the most common and can be acquired through your physician or an online service. They automatically increase your purchase, possession, and cultivation amounts. Medical patients can purchase up to 8oz. of flower per day and gain special access to cannabis products with higher potency levels compared to those sold for recreational purposes. However, these recommendations do not reduce the amount of taxes you pay; they only increase the daily limits you can have and buy. 

MMIC Program: A step up from the standard medical recommendation is the Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP). Your MMIC can only be acquired through the state of California and is available to those with specific qualifying conditions. It allows holders to remain exempt from sales and use taxes. The MMICP web-based registry allows law enforcement and the public to verify the validity of a qualified patient or primary caregiver’s MMICP as authorization to possess, grow, transport, and/or use medical cannabis within California. More information on the MMIC can be found on the California Department of Public Health website. 

Getting your MMIC in California is a straightforward process. You must be diagnosed with a serious medical condition to be eligible. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started: 

1. Schedule a Consultation Appointment: Book an appointment with your primary care physician or other qualified healthcare provider.  

2. Complete the Consultation: During your consultation, your physician will evaluate your eligibility and complete the necessary recommendation. 

3. Pay the Consultation Fee: Once your consultation is complete, you'll need to pay the associated fee. Pro Tip: Complete the Medical Card Assistance Request Form to receive a special discount on your physician consultation appointment directly to your inbox. 

4. Receive Your Recommendation: Upon approval, you'll receive a PDF recommendation via email. Your California certification is valid for one year. 

5. *Optional Enrollment in MMIC Program (MMICP): Participation by patients and caregivers in the MMIC Program is voluntary.  

6. Start Shopping at RISE: With your certification in hand, you're ready to shop with us! *Patients who register with the MMICP are exempt from paying state, city, and county sales taxes. 

Our Patient Guide offers a comprehensive overview of how cannabis can improve well-being through high-quality, tested products. It covers essential topics such as the medicinal benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes, methods of consumption, dosing, and guidance for how to select products to meet your individual needs. Click on the Patient Guide link to explore the full guide and discover how RISE can support your journey to better health. 

Before you visit our RISE Pasadena store, it's important to be prepared. Here's what you need to know: 

1. Place Your Order: Visit risecannabis.com to place a pickup or delivery order.  

2. Filter our menu: Use the "Feelings" or "Activities" filters to find the perfect products for your needs. 

3. Gather Required Documents: Make sure you have your ID and physician recommendation or MMIC ready. 

4. Payment Options: Bring cash or a debit card for your purchases. 

5. Join RISE Rewards: Sign up for RISE Rewards to earn savings and insider perks with every purchase. 

Don't miss out on these incredible benefits and savings. Get certified today and take advantage of everything RISE has to offer.  

If you need additional assistance, scroll down and chat with us! We're here to help you every step of the way. 

Know someone that may benefit from having their medical certification in California? Sharing is caring! 

As a valued member of the RISE community, we want to ensure your experience remains seamless, especially when it comes to renewing your California medical marijuana certification. Let’s keep the good vibes rolling and make sure you continue to take advantage of the fantastic perks that come with being a medical patient at RISE! 

Renewing your medical marijuana certification is essential to continue accessing the exclusive benefits that come with being a medical patient at RISE. These benefits include: 

1. Pay Fewer Taxes: Patients or their primary caregivers are exempt from state, city, and county sales taxes if they present a valid MMIC. Pro Tip: See the financial benefits of having a medical card by using our tax calculator. It's a great tool to see how much money you can save on your purchases each year.   

2. Exclusive In-Store Discounts: You'll receive special discounts on a wide variety of products at our RISE Pasadena Dispensary. This means more savings on the products you love! 

3. Priority Services: Skip the lines and enjoy a medical-only queue whenever you visit our RISE Pasadena Dispensary. We value your time and strive to make your experience as seamless and educational as possible. 

4. Larger Purchase Limits: With your certification, you can purchase up to eight ounces of cannabis, compared to the one-ounce limit for recreational consumers. This allows you to stock up on your favorite products without frequent trips. 

5. Wider Product Selection: Gain access to a broader range of products, including topicals and oral dissolvables with higher concentrations of THC, tailored specifically for medical use.  

Renewing your medical marijuana certification in California is a straightforward process that follows the same steps as when you initially became certified. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you renew your certification: 

1. Schedule a Physician Consultation: If your physician certification has expired, you must receive a new one from a qualified healthcare provider.  

2. Complete the Consultation Appointment: During your consultation, your physician will evaluate your eligibility and complete the necessary recommendation. 

3. Pay the Consultation Fee: Once your recertification is complete, you'll need to pay the associated fee. Pro Tip: Complete the Medical Card Assistance Request Form to receive a special discount on your physician consultation fee directly to your inbox. 

4. Receive Your Recommendation: Upon approval, you'll receive a PDF recommendation via email. Your California physician recommendation is valid for one year. 

5. *Optional Enrollment in MMIC Program (MMICP): Participation by patients and caregivers in the MMIC Program is voluntary. The MMICP registry allows law enforcement and the public to verify the validity of a qualified patient or caregiver’s MMICP as authorization to possess, grow, transport, and/or use medical marijuana within California.​ 

6. Start Shopping at RISE: With your new certification in hand, you're ready to shop with us at our Pasadena dispensary! *Patients who register with the MMICP are exempt from paying state, city, and county sales taxes. 

Explore the wide variety of products RISE has to offer. From edibles and tinctures to concentrates and topicals, discover new ways to elevate your wellness journey and enhance your experience. Learn about vaporizers, pipes, bongs, and other gear that can help you consume cannabis in a way that suits your preferences and unique needs. Have questions before you make your purchase? Our Patient Care Specialists are on hand to help guide you to safe, responsible, and enjoyable consumption.

Renew your certification today and continue taking full advantage of everything RISE has to offer. Complete the Medical Card Assistance Request Form to receive a special discount on the physician recertification fee and be on your way to better health and wellness. 

If you need additional assistance, scroll down and chat with us! We're here to help you every step of the way. 

Know someone that may benefit from having their medical certification in California? Sharing is caring!