Three steps to the county card
The county ID is voluntary. A doctor's recommendation alone already protects you as a patient and lets 18 to 20 year olds shop medical, but only the ID drops the sales tax. This part of our California dispensary guide walks both.
- A California-licensed MD, DO or podiatrist who examines you writes a recommendation. A telehealth visit works when it meets the standard of care
- Apply in person at your county program with the recommendation, a photo ID and proof you live in that county. The county takes your photo
- Pay the county fee, up to $100 and half for Medi-Cal members, then wait up to 35 days. It lasts up to a year
The condition list includes AIDS, anorexia, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, migraine, persistent muscle spasms, seizures and severe nausea, plus any chronic or persistent symptom that substantially limits a major life activity.
Does the county ID pay for itself?
Slide to what you spend in a month. In Los Angeles, adult-use buys carry the 15% excise with 10.25% sales tax on top, 26.79% in all. With the ID, you skip the sales tax and pay the 15%.
Uses Los Angeles's sales tax and the $100 top county fee. Counties set their own fee up to $100, Medi-Cal members pay half, and the doctor's visit costs whatever the clinic charges. Leaves out any city cannabis tax a store passes on.
