The California Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program was established to provide a voluntary medical marijuana identification card issuance and registry program for qualified patients and their primary caregivers. The California Department of Public Health administers the program. The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency is responsible for processing state medical marijuana identification card applications for Santa Cruz County residents.

The legal protections provided by the passage of Proposition 215 (Compassionate Use Act of 1996) in California are limited. Consult an attorney if you have questions about your personal situation. Medical marijuana patients and their primary caregivers are eligible for these identification cards.

To apply for an identification card, applicants must obtain medical documentation or Written Documentation of Patient’s Medical Records (CDPH 9044) from their attending physician, in addition, the attending physician must complete the Physician Attestation form. Applicants must have these two documents available when scheduling an appointment. Both forms should be sent via email, fax, or postal mail so that information can be verified prior to scheduling an appointment.

Contact Us

County of Santa Cruz - Health Services Agency - Medical Marijuana Patient ID Card Program
1070 Emeline Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Email: HSA_MMIC@Santacruzcountyca.gov
Fax: 831-454-5048
Phone: 831-454-3431

Please schedule an appointment by calling the Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program at (831) 454-3431. Please leave a message with your name, phone number and your email address and a staff person will call or email you back promptly to schedule a ten-minute appointment. You can also complete the form below to request an appointment. Please be advised that you will not receive your Medical Marijuana Identification Card after your appointment, it will take 5-7 business days from the day of your appointment.

Appointment Request Form

For general information about the California Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program, visit the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website.

  • Proof of identity, such as a California ID, California driver’s license, U.S. passport or Veteran’s Administration card
  • Proof of Santa Cruz County Residency, such as a current license with correct address, recent utility bill or rental/mortgage receipt
  • Written Documentation of Patient’s Medical Records (CDPH 9044) (English or Spanish), including original documents signed by your physician. [Add: Spanish version form CDPH 9044]
  • Physician Attestation form (English or Spanish), including original documents signed by your physician.
  • Completed Application (CDPH 9042) English or Spanish
  • $100.00 for the Medical Marijuana Identification Card via non-refundable cash, money order OR $50 if presenting your Medi-Cal card. We are now accepting credit card payments. There is a 2.29% or a $2.00 minimum fee when using the terminal.

Primary Caregiver ID Card

A primary caregiver is a person who consistently assumes the responsibility for the housing, health or safety of the applicant. This may be an individual or the owner, operator or employee of an appropriately licensed clinic, facility, hospice, or home health agency. As a primary caregiver you cannot apply for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card for yourself. You must apply in person with your patient.

Primary Caregiver ID Card Requirements:

  • Proof of identity such as a California ID, California driver’s license, U.S. passport or Veteran’s Administration card.
  • The primary caregiver must accompany the medical marijuana patient when applying for a card.
  • Completion of Section 4 of the Application (CDPH 9042) for the primary caregiver in English or Spanish
  • $100.00 for the primary caregiver Medical Marijuana Identification Card via non-refundable cash, money order, OR $50 if presenting your patient’s Medi-Cal card. We are now accepting credit card payments. There is a 2.29% or a $2.00 minimum fee when using the terminal.

Appeals Process:

If your application for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card is denied, you may file an appeal at no cost.

To file an appeal:

  • You must complete and directly submit an appeal form to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) within 30 calendar days of the date you received a denial notice from the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency.
  • Make sure to sign and date your appeal form. By signing your appeal form, you are giving consent for Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency to release information contained in your application file to CDPH.
  • Contact us for a copy of the appeal form or download the form (CDPH 9043) in English or Spanish. This information will be used to evaluate your appeal.

To submit an appeal, mail a completed appeal form with a copy of your denial letter to:

California Department of Public Health
Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program
Attention:  Appeals
P.O. Box 997410, MS 5202
Sacramento, CA  95899-7410

All appeal decisions by CDPH's Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program are final. A decision notice regarding your appeal will be sent to you by CDPH and the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency will receive a copy.

Your application may be denied, if:

  • You failed to provide all required information, or
  • Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency determined the application information was false, or
  • You did not meet the requirements for being a qualified patient or primary caregiver.