The city of Los Angeles does not have any laws for medical marijuana dispensaries just yet, which is why the city looks to the State laws concerning the drug. The following are a list of state-wide laws concerning medical marijuana:
In 1996, California voters passed Proposition 215, or the Compassionate Use Act, allowing medical marijuana patients to use, cultivate, and transport medical marijuana as long as they have a prescription from a doctor. This means patients diagnosed with any illness where the use of marijuana has been considered beneficial by a doctor can purchase and use the drug. Common medical conditions include arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis.
In 2003, Senate Bill 420 was passed which supplements and clarifies The Compassionate Use Act for patients, caregivers, law enforcement, and others. The SB 420 opened the way for a statewide medical marijuana ID card program. Under the law, qualified patients can carry and grow more than the limit if the larger quantities are recommended by a physician.
Under the guidelines, primary caregivers are also allowed to purchase and carry marijuana. Primary caregivers must be 18 years of age or older, and designated by a patient with an ID card. The caregiver must be responsible for the patient’s housing, health, or safety.