To: The California State Senate
No Mandatory State ID for Medical Marijuana Patients
Previously, patients with a valid medical marijuana recommendation from a certified physician were assured better access to MMJ at discounted rates. Given the indispensability of safe, easy and affordable access to medical cannabis, the latest regulations requiring medical marijuana patients to present a state-sanctioned medical marijuana identification card while visiting dispensaries are bound to create a disastrous impact on the savings and overall well being of MMJ patients.
Why is this important?
For years, medical marijuana patients in California have depended on easy access to medical marijuana to relieve an array of health conditions and restore health and vitality in their lives. But now the well being of the state's thousands of medical cannabis patients have been jeopardized by overly complicated procedures and higher costs.
Here's why we are strongly opposing the requirement of a state-issued medical marijuana ID card and need your support for facilitating a complete rollback of the aforementioned scheme:
1) The entire process is redundant, time-consuming and overly complicated for patients holding a valid MMJ recommendation.
2) Added costs of up to $100 in getting a state medical marijuana ID, in addition to the excise state tax rate on cannabis.
3) Hampered tax savings for patients with a valid medical marijuana recommendation.
4) Delayed medical assistance for state's MMJ patients.
5) Though MMJ retailers would be able to claim the exemption on their sales
and use tax return, retailers would need to retain supporting documentation to substantiate exempt transactions at their own cost and time, potentially passing those costs to patients.
6) State ID cards require in-person appointments at the CDPH, limiting access to physically impaired and seriously ill patients.
7) In rural areas, access to the CDPH to apply for your card is limited and could result in excessive travel times and cost, potentially leading to lost wages as appointments may be limited to Monday through Friday.
8) Applications require additional paperwork [Application/Renewal (CDPH-9042), Physician Attestation, Medical documentation or Written Documentation of Patient’s Medical Records (CDPH-9044)] to be filled out by the prescribing physician resulting in an unnecessary repeat appointment at the patient’s cost
9) The ID Card program is discriminatory and violates doctor/patient privilege.
10) Applications require proof of residence via a Government-issued photo ID, limiting patients’ access.
Medical patients feel betrayed by state's top regulators, including Governor Jerry Brown, who himself recommended eliminating the need for a state-issued medical marijuana identification card in April last year. But, his promises have now turned into questions.
So, show your support in ensuring uninterrupted access to medical marijuana at lower prices, lower tax rates and most importantly, complete legal protection.