Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jan 2006
Source: San Mateo County Times, The (CA)
Copyright: 2006 ANG Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.sanmateocountytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/392
Author: Laura Ernde, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

COUNTY OPENS POT CARD ID SIGNUP

As Many As 1,800 Patients Can Apply For Cards

Medical marijuana patients and their caregivers now can  apply for 
state-issued identification cards in San  Mateo County, officials said.

The cards serve as proof to law enforcement that the  holder has a 
doctor's permission to possess a small  amount of the drug for medicinal use.

A handful of people applied for the cards on Tuesday,  the first day 
of the county's program, John Conley,  deputy director of public health, said.

State officials estimate that 1,800 patients and 900  caregivers in 
the county will sign up.

"So far, so good. This is new for us," he said.

To receive a card, applicants must provide proof of  their identity, 
proof they live in the county and a  note from a doctor who is 
licensed and in good standing  with the state.

Applicants must have their photo taken and pay $45 a  year for the 
card. Medi-Cal patients get a 50 percent  discount.

Local health officials then have 30 days to verify the  information 
before sending it on to the state, which  issues the cards.

Cardholders can use the cards at medical-marijuana  dispensaries, 
although officials say they know of none  in San Mateo County.

State law allows cardholders to   have no more than 8 ounces of 
marijuana and grow no  more than six mature plants, said Patti 
Roberts, a  spokeswoman for the California Department of Health  Services.

Statewide, 619 medical-marijuana identification cards  have been 
issued in 11 counties. Four more counties are  joining the program 
this month, she said.

One of the newcomers is San Francisco, which had been  issuing its 
own cards for about five years but now will  follow the state program.

Because there is no deadline for counties to join the  program, those 
who choose not to participate are not  running afoul of the law, Roberts said.

In San Mateo County, residents must apply for the cards  in person at 
Public Vital Statistics, 225 37th Ave.,  San Mateo. Business hours 
are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m.  to 5 p.m. weekdays except Thursday.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom