The state of California is quite progressive when it comes to expanding its medical marijuana program with every passing year. A clear example of this progression is the expansion of medical marijuana caregiver responsibilities which now allows caregivers to take an active part in maintaining the well-being of medical marijuana patients. Now, let’s talk about how you can become a marijuana caregiver in California.
Primary Marijuana Caregiver in California Responsibilities
As per Californiaâs Compassionate Use Act (CUA), a marijuana caregiver has the following core responsibilities at hand,
- Must aid the patient in consuming cannabis by providing them with the required dosage.
- Must possess and store medical cannabis on behalf of the patient.
- Transport a legal amount of medical cannabis for a patientâs use on behalf of the patient.
- Help in cannabis cultivation/growth within the personal residence of the patient as long as the patient qualifies for cannabis cultivation and no cannabis plants are in the mature stage exceeding the state-set limit.
How Much Cannabis Can a Marijuana Caregiver Possess or Grow?
As per state law, the caregiver can possess up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana concentrates. The state also allows the caregivers to grow 6 mature or 12 immature cannabis plants on behalf of the patient. It is important to note that a physician can approve for a higher possession limit so the patientâs cannabis intake requirement must be fulfilled.
Caregiver Requirements in California
- The caregiver must be 18 or older unless the caregiver is an emancipated minor and is a parent to a minor patient who is eligible for a medical cannabis card in California.
- The caregiver will have to pay the $100 application fee to the relevant state authority in order to obtain a caregiver license.
- Must be able to provide the personal and necessary information required by the competent authority to process the caregiverâs application.
Can a Caregiver Care for More Than One Patient in California?
Yes, a caregiver can care for more than one patient in California as long as the patient and the caregiver reside in the same county.
How to Apply and Become a Cannabis Caregiver in California?
- A qualifying patient must check a box on the patient registration form declaring that they require the services of a primary caregiver.
- The caregiver will then be required to provide his/her contact details in the given section.
- The caregiver also needs to declare any other patient that they are caring for in the same county or a different county.
- The caregiver must also declare whether he/she is associated with a medical healthcare facility or clinic.
- In the end, the caregiver will be asked to provide ID details, proof of application fee payment, and proof of their residence status.