COUNTY OFFERS MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD PROGRAM

Madera County Public Health

In compliance with state law, Madera County Public Health Director
Carol Barney is in the process of implementing the medical marijuana
identification card program.

Dispensary ban still in place; users must grow plant for personal
use.

Medical marijuana is allowed for specific, serious illnesses under
Proposition 215, passed by 55.6 percent of the voters in November
1996. The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted Oct. 20 to move
forward with issuing identification cards to medically prescribed
marijuana users, a program that became mandatory with the passage of
Senate Bill 420 in January 2004.

Each county is required to issue identification cards to users within
its jurisdiction. However, as stated on the card application,
possession of the identification card does not exempt the card holder
from federal prosecution.

While the county has voted to move forward with the card program,
supervisors adopted an ordinance Sept. 22 that bans medical marijuana
dispensaries. Nothing in the Compassionate Use Act -- Proposition 215
- -- or laws enacted in regard to the Act, requires cities or counties
to allow dispensaries to operate within their jurisdictions. Land use
is and remains a function of local government under the California
Constitution.

Medical marijuana users must obtain a recommendation from their
physician in order to qualify for identification cards. The card is
intended to help law enforcement identify legal users. Proposition 215
exempts from prosecution those who are prescribed marijuana for
medicinal purposes.

Under provisions of Prop 215, medical marijuana users can grow and
cultivate the plant for personal use. Patients and primary caregivers
who obtain the state-issued cards may possess up to eight ounces of
dried marijuana and six mature or 12 immature plants per patient. The
law also allows for patients and caregivers to possess an amount
"reasonably related to current medical needs."

Until this year, the federal drug enforcement agency has targeted
dispensaries and even threatened to seize property leased for the
businesses. On March 18, 2009, President Barack Obama directed
Attorney General Eric Holder to announce a shift in federal drug law
enforcement policy that would end the raids.

The program should be ready for implementation by mid-November and the
cost of the card will be $225. The application will be on the Madera
County Web site by mid-month at www.madera-county.com; click on Public
Health. The application can be downloaded and then taken to the Health
Department in Madera at 14215 Road 28 for processing.

For more information on the medical marijuana identification card
program, contact Public Health Director Carol Barney: (559) 675-7893.