Medical Cannabis
Voluntary Identification Card Program
at San Francisco General Hospital & Trauma Center

What is the Medical Marijuana Program?

The Medical Marijuana Program is a program of the State of California that was established following the passage of SB 420 that requires counties to administer a voluntary card registration program that identifies medical marijuana patients.

Where do I go to get a Medical Marijuana ID card?

San Francisco General Hospital
1001 Potrero Ave. , Main Lobby
San Francisco, California
Hours: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

How do I apply for a medical marijuana ID card?

1. Fill out an Application Renewal Form - DHS 9042. Forms are available at San Francisco General Hospital in the main hospital lobby or can be downloaded at: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/forms/CtrldForms/cdph9042.pdf.
2. Bring a completed Written Documentation of Patient’s Medical Records - DHS 9044 (preferred) or an original letter from a medical provider stating that you have a serious medical condition where the use of medical marijuana is appropriate.
3. Show proof of identity (driver’s license, California State ID Card, passport).
4. Show proof that you live in San Francisco (current photo IDs with San Francisco address or a recent utility bill, or a recent rental or mortgage payment receipt).
5. Pay fee of $103 ($52 for Medi-Cal beneficiaries – bring your Medi-Cal card).
6. If you wish to designate a primary caregiver complete the appropriate section of the Application Renewal Form- DHS 9042. Your caretaker must accompany you when you apply for the card. The fee for a card for your caretaker is the same as the patient fee.

How long will it take for a card to be issued after I complete my application?

State regulations require that the County to issue a card within 30 days of completing a valid application. However, most cards will be issued within 10 business days.

If my application is approved, how do I get my card?

The card will be mailed to the address listed on your application. If you do not want the card mailed to you, you can pick it up at San Francisco General Hospital during the same hours listed above. If you have completed the application but have not received your card in a timely manner, please call 206-5555 Tuesday and Thursday between 10:00 a.m. - noon.

What are the criteria for being a primary caregiver?

A primary caregiver must have a pre-existing relationship with the patient prior to enrolling in the Medical Marijuana Program including assisting the patient with housing, health and/or safety. A patient may designate only one caregiver. The caregiver must be 18 years old or older. A caregiver’s card is valid for the same length of time as the patient’s.

How long will the Medical Marijuana ID Card be valid?

One (1) year from date of issue.

What information will the Medical Marijuana Program keep on file?

We will give back to you all application materials when we issue the MMP card. If you choose to have the card mailed to you, all application materials will also be mailed to you with the MMP card. The San Francisco Health Department will not keep any identifying information. The only information transmitted to the State Medical Marijuana Program is your photo, your card type (e.g. patient or caretaker) and the expiration date of the card. This information is contained on the MMP card.

What do I need to do to get a new card if my card is lost or stolen?

To replace a lost or stolen card, you must reapply following the same procedures listed above. Since San Francisco DPH will not keep any application materials after the original card is issued, you must submit all application materials. We recommend that you keep a record of the physician’s recommendation form or letter so that you can use the original letter to reapply if your card is lost or stolen.

What do I need to do to get a new card if my card expires?

To get a new card, you must reapply following the same procedures listed above.

For more information call the Medical Marijuana Information Line at 415-206-5555 or contact Dr. Joshua Bamberger at josh.Bamberger@sfdph.org.

Legal Information: Any person who shall present false information or falsify, forge, or alter a document to support a request for a medical cannabis user identification card or a primary caregiver identification card or make, create, sell, or use a false medical cannabis user identification card or a primary caregiver identification card shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $250, or by imprisonment in the County Jail for not more than three months, or by both such a fine and imprisonment. It is illegal to use or distribute marijuana for non-medical purposes.

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Do NOT email the Community Health Network if you wish to inquire about ANY medical situation or problem. Instead, please call San Francisco General Hospital at 415-206-8000 

Any email question may not be read right away. For issues or questions other than medically related, you may email the Community Health Network