Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jan 2006
Source: Bakersfield Californian, The (CA)
Copyright: 2006 The Bakersfield Californian
Contact:  http://www.bakersfield.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/36
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

MEDICAL MARIJUANA ID PROGRAM UNDER WAY

The county's medical marijuana ID card program is now  up and
running.

The ID cards, part of a state-mandated program, are  meant to provide
qualified medical pot users with a  means of identifying themselves to
law enforcement  officers.

In Kern, the voluntary program is being administered by  the county
Public Health Department.

Here's how it will work:

Applications will be processed by appointment only, and  only at the
health department's main office at 1800 Mt.  Vernon Ave.

Application paperwork can be picked up at any of the  county's 11
public health clinics. Materials can also  be downloaded from the
state health department's Web  site at http://dhs.ca.gov/mmp/.

Applicants must bring all of the following materials to  their
appointment:

The fully completed application form, filled out in 
advance.

Proof of residency, such as a valid driver's license,  utility bill or
vehicle registration.

A recommendation from a physician in good standing with  the
state.

A $100 application fee. Medi-Cal recipients pay a $50 
fee.

To schedule an appointment, call 868-1220.

The appointment process is meant to provide  confidentiality to
applicants, the department says,  although application information can
be accessed by  federal officials.

While state voters approved legalizing medical  marijuana use in 1996,
pot use remains a federal crime.

Dr. Claudia Jonah, assistant health officer with the  department, said
processing ID cards could take up to  35 days.

The department has 30 days to verify information, she  said. The
material is then forwarded to the state,  which will generate the card
within five days.

The state mails the card back to the county, and  applicants must
return to the Bakersfield office to  pick up the cards in person, she
said.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin