Can I renew my medical card after it expires?

 

Medical marijuana patients in California must renew their medical cards to ensure the responsible use of marijuana products. The Office of Medical Marijuana Use, or OMMU, ensures that medical marijuana is available for qualifying patients. However, can I renew my medical card after it expires?  Patients need to renew their medical cards before the expiration date. When the medical card expiration date nears, it is usually bothersome for many. Surprisingly, renewing your medical card is easier than you think. This article focuses on everything you need to know about getting a medical marijuana card renewal in California.

 

How to Renew a Medical Marijuana Card Online

In California, medical card renewal is done annually. You can renew your medical card without requiring a physical doctor’s visit. This makes life easy for people who lack the time to visit a doctor. California offers online evaluations which are quicker and simpler than in-person solutions. Individuals gain access to the documents necessary to gain a medical card. California medical marijuana card renewals can be done from the comfort of your home.

 

In California, a doctor’s recommendation and a California medical Card are sufficient to fully participate in the program. California residents are eligible to confirm their diagnosis from a certified doctor to receive a medical card. The patient’s card doesn’t serve as a formality, but as a significant improvement in lifestyle. 

 

Medical marijuana permits effective control of pathological conditions. A medical card also allows you to make purchases legally and confidentially in specialized facilities. Furthermore, holders of this card can grow up to 6 plants at home. This card provides access to multiple cannabis strains and products.

 

In 2020, California had just under 2 million medical marijuana patients. Members of the medical cannabis program represent about 5% of the California population. Most cannabis sales in the state are done by special cooperatives for growing cannabis and certified dispensaries.

 

In case your medical card expires, you will lose access to all these benefits. Therefore, it's essential to renew your medical card when it expires. Submit your paperwork and payment to enjoy all the benefits of a medical card holder.

 

Starting the Renewal Process in Advance

You don’t necessarily have to renew your medical card on the day it expires. You can renew your card 45 days before it expires, rather than waiting for it to expire. If you take long before renewing your medical card, you are at risk of losing your benefits. Renewal approval takes some time and that’s why you shouldn’t wait long before renewing your card. The gap between card expiration and renewal should be long. However, if the gap is short, it can be a setback in treatment for patients who rely on medical marijuana to manage their symptoms.

 

Therefore, if someone asks, “can I renew my medical card after it expires” Then tell them it's possible. Renewing your medical marijuana card may also require assessment from a qualified doctor.

 

Bottom line

While you can renew your medical card after it expires it's not advisable to do so. Most often you must do it 45 days before expiration. It takes time to schedule an appointment with a doctor and receive doctor approval. It also takes time to submit the renewal application, and get the application approved. Therefore, it's important to begin the renewal process early enough before the expiration date.