--

,
OF MARIJUANA GRO\\'N FOR r'iEDICA"... USIE
K AMAlP, D. HARRIS
AdilOfl'IlU?J' GelJaeu{l]u
!DlISCUSSION DRAFT - April, l@l11J
DEPA!IUMENT Or J LS1Kt
(lrfilUI1: @f C
" .
l. SUd\YdtY 0 1 ApPLICABLE LA. Vi . ............ . ........ ................ .... .. .. ..... .. .. .. .......... . . . .. .. .
B. Pmpositnon 2 15: The Compa.ssiomJue;:-ll sl: ACI of i ..... ...... ., ........... .. .
C ;er3l:itQ(- BB! I 40:0: Th(' lPmglrzJ.TI:!1 An ....... ............... ....... 2:
n Tt;;: A,ct. .. ... ... ........ ........ ... .. ...... ..... .. .......
E. of Me-dEcal ........ . ... ,.... .... . ....... . .. .. .. ...
F. S:a;JllrlillIGS fi(" ..... ....... ....
H. .. ........... . .. . .... . ..... . .. ............ ......... . . ...... .. ..... ....... ... ..... .. ... .. .. .. .... ..... . ...... 4
Recommen:rXatiol'll ...... .. ... ...... .. .. , ....... .... ........... ....... .... .. ............ . 4)
lB. IPrimawy Caregi\'C'l" .. .... .... ....................................... ... .... .......... ..................... 4:
C. QlJ1<l1lificdi PiiJU]Cnl ..... ...................................... .... ..... ... .. .. .. .................. .......... _
D. P;>uysidrul ....... ... ..... , ................... ........ ... ....... .... .............. ... . 5
m. GUI)E1..1NES REG .. \RDiNfi INDIVIDUAL QUJAUfJED -%ND JPlRM";RY
CARf.GiVF.!{S ..... .. .... ... .. ...................... .. ... .... ......... ......... .. .. . ............. ..... .............. ... .. .. 5
A. SIa1e L21W Complillince GlAndidines . ...... .... ........ .............. ..... .. ... .... .... .... .. .... 5
] . RecommenClasnon .. ........ ..... .. .. ..... ...... .. ................. .... ...... 5
2. State of Cciliforni" Mariju&ruli !dCiliiilicQiaiolTl Cw.c1 .. ......... . 5
3. Proof of ........................................ .. .......... 6
4. Compensation for PrimaY)' Caregi\ers .. ...... .. .... .. .. .. .......... .. .... ........ 6
5. !Possession Limins.. .. .... .. .. ......... ... ...... . ..... .. ........... ........ .............. ..... 6
fl. MMiPA. cardholders ... ............... ...................... ............ ........ ......... . 6
h. LOC2.1 1 MMPA posSleSsiol11l limits .... .............. ..... ... ...................... .. . (;
c. PropfJsiaion 2 j 5 paltielTlts ... .................. ........... ........ ....... .. .... ... .. .... f
R. Use <mo Enforcement Guidelines .. ....................... ........... ............ ........ ...... .. 7
I . !Location ofil.Jse ..................... .................. ......... .. ............................. 7
2. of Medical in tlit" OJ ZIU
..... ................ ....... .............. .......... ........ .. .... .. . I
3. Crimin2lj Ddcndams, 1P'mhcuinners. o.nd Parolees ..... .... ... ........ ...... .. 7
4. St<lltc Meo1ic<1,l ]d!(t ntilncz:uiomi C.miho)dexs ......... : .... ........ 7
5. Non-Cardholdlers ...... .. ...... ......... ...... ....... ......... ... ... ... ...................... . 8
6. Exceeding Possessicl1J Limins .... .. .. ..... ............................ .. ....... ....... <)
'i<'
." .
I. P:rob.,hJe ('ilJ!SE . .. ... .. ... .. . . . .... .. . . . .... . ,. . ...... ....... . . ..... .... . . .. .... ... .... .. 9
Rdl.l!ffi .... .... ... ... _ .......... ........... .... .. . _. rr.
/\. Dispensary ............ ... .......... .. .. ... ........ .. ... ........ .... ..... ..... ........ ... ........... ... .. .... Ie
B. Business tom15 .. .. ... .... ...... ... ....... .... ... .. .. ... ..... ........ . ., .......... ... .... ........ ....... j II
I. Stanuiory ............. ... .. ......... ... ...... ..... . ... ...... .... .......... ; V
2. .... ......... .... .... .. ..... _. __ ........ .... ....... , .. .. ., ... .. .... .... ..... .. ... .. i G
D. (DuBJdil1cS ioruhe La''l,flUll Openl1i on of i.l COG;p::t'lr.aiii\1C c ..... 1\
g. NOfl-lPmflt .. .... ... ... ............. .. ................ .... ... .................. j 2
2. and .. .................. .... .... ... ... .... ..... .... .. ....... ... i :2
3. LocatFOi!li ofCoHecii,f.'$ and! CODlperauives .................................... l1
4. Business Licenses, Saks Tax, and Stdler's PCl'miiS ..... . .............. . 12
5. l\'1cmib:elrShip AppnnCaliftOn Zll1irl VerilicZltiollli ....... ...... ...... ... ....... ..... i }
6. ColiectiYC'S aIDlCl CODpt'YatiyC'S Shou]d Possess and
Only CWti\'(Jlaed Marijuana.. .......................................... i 3
7. in Collecti"es oorl Cooperrati\'cs ...... .......... 14
8. cmd COOpernl R\,C'S Are N01 Primru} Ca'fegi1.c)Ts ......... 14
Distributioll1 a'1d Sales !o Non-Members are lPmhibiied ... ...... ...... 14
W. Permissible Reimbursements and AlIocations.............................. ; 4
1]. Possession, and Cuitnvaaion l imits ........... .. ........ 14
E. Criminal Enforcement ...... .... .................................................. i 5
i . I)jspensaries ........................................................... ..... ........... ....... 15
2. Indicia ofUnlav.1l!iR Oper.&lio;rn ........ .............................................. 15
V. GliIDELI'ES fOR LOCAL Jt:RISDICTlOl\;S I]\; REGI I.ATI]\;G COOPER:'ll"! S
A.ND .................. ..... .. ............................................................. ...... . .. . 16
A. Proh..ibiaion .... .. ...... .............. ... ........................... ..... ......... ... ................ ...... .. . ] 6>
lB. Requirements ........................ .. ................................................. l6
C. Clinics and ('arre Faciiiuics ..... .. ................ ..... .... .......................... ............ .. ] R
II
, C)","'- ( \. " . . .., ,., ' lh' .
LlT] 1: .. nRf'HS L;p,t:H j'Jf]1rfJ!::f):
kns rnm uir.nillWiizc [j'ju:' p'UlSs,eS5i;ofl ii,rn:J of tr,i<iiJ ;}llifu-:-l<;i. h1 20D}.
lc'gEs]Zlnr.nJre ij(;.
O'iVil':'Ck'(l tnt A1uomrey GCJ))errJ i/O l.':1d:iU1p1 .Ogli<idl:eliui(C! fiG (cm 1Ji1f <;:n;] elf
g::OIlHi lil,- mroj.::aJ llSi:' Htl:illtb ,& SZifeu) Corle_ t D j, TIDr
fionlmy wrc designed to 4 I) mru-ijanMz girO\%7} !iN jpuilmses Sen'l.1iiC Gil"1>C
nm fnJrlldi its 'nz:J' fto or midi hdp Ullf((J>irC'fmtJi.1 jp'crtorm
[hd'f efiectiH:!} zmd in <:t>:'cl!:jJJ'tdl"'Ul1lte CaMomnz. H4:,v,. (3) !hIdp paait't1n5 E;ll!rli
UlrfloJersllwsd! m"y ID,l: cTYs'
! 4j , PW\ idle gllidlam.:e aO slute ai!Jld lord regarrrlililg m2:}' h.c
ret;uhilliolilS. all1d:
p0ssf.'ss.ion. siilk cuhiYllltion, distributnon. Md nf mZlHijmFJlJ<ll Cliffe
crimes Uilnder i<m. e.g., J j 357 iPDssessimil of '"
I i3S8 of nS::1 feloll1)']; Veh. Corle. 23212
[possession ofkss ihaill I lV, while is a rnisd'f'mealrim'j: ] i 3S[]
winh ioRena tu sdl ru1Iy &mlOW'3U ofmruijWlh'1lal is a ] U60 IUcUlSP:JZ"R1lflg .
seBing. Olr giving 2l\1\;aJY marijuana in CaHfomia a felony: MoeK 2f.5 gmms is z
misdemeaITlolrj: 11361 iseiling or diiS\tJriblllllill1lfg no minors. o:r lllsnng at m!!l1lor uo
ifaRllsport seill. 0J1' give alW:llY marijWllJl1a. is a fdoll'iY).)
On Novcmb:er 5, 1996, California voters p&QSsed Proposition 215. \\hidn decriminalized the
ClIllaivaaion and possession of marijuana by seriously inl indlividlua!s cmd ilieir primary
caregivers uptm a physician' s or written recommendatiol!1i. ( I ] 362.5( d). }
ProPOSitDO:m 215 was cn<'Jcned 10 -ensme that m Ci:!lifomians have the right 10
ob12lin and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical usc is deemed
appropriate 8l!lld has been recommended by a physician who has dletennined 1M! the
pe.rsons health would benefit 1rom the use ofmru-ijlMliJl&." and 10 "ensure that p@tients anlJ
thei r primary caregivers who obtaRn and usc marijuana for medical l.ilpon th!:
recommendation of a physician ru-e nD1 subjccu ao cr;minal prosecution 0Jr sanction:'
( J B62.5(b)O)tA)-{lB).)
(' ourts ha\ e founo an Lmdler Prropvsiaiollil 215 the tr"'<ills.pmutiol!'l uf
medical marijwna when the "quaniity transported &l1ilrl me method. timing aoo distall1lt"c of
ihe are reasom.bl), -related to due patnm(s cUilYcni medicalll1leed.<.;: (People
" Trippel (1997) 56 CaI.App.4!h 1532. i551.) Ther,,- :s_ no\ .. 'ever. no -"lJInfeu[ered righC lor
qf!.1l8llifiedi or Cfu"'CgB'Vt'rs '10 iruh' their mmwijua'18 \%iah ulhem "'t hercve. !hey go.
regru-dJess CUl'iiiem (Ptople r, 120J 0) 189 C@!.AppA\th
215.123.)
Oit!iir,;T\\is.t: 1l0jCCi. Gi!l s.naHdo1} n:feft'!':I;':e!' :lire i0 Hedur, ::,l1n Co:e:e ,
- ] -
5 vil, j gT2Lnli BY m.:-rt t; ",'.If]
d!i:Jensr 10 rih<:lJrges d' wmE61%yfvJ vf ma:rij,Uarrtiiil. i Se.c
People (2002) 2g C<JllAdll.J;57. An2 ff.111lZ,i!;. 2l::: \\E;/
Z6 @trj irnini.Zitin; stZltiUi1t. ::.nndcc ]]. Hl C<.Jif1"mi;:,
(' Uhe lC'gishHi.iJle 1m local gO%ltfi'lllTr])(,llnhj ih}lm &'TJiIt'ii'iding %efms< m
chaYllging BRs scope <Jlruli YOieT
Om Jmu]ffi3}' L Senate IBm 420. Med1'cJ Marijuall'ilbllProgJram I A;.
1<n'l. I B62.1-1 B62.83.J Th:e mknlEnhiiltgs. tr.q:
Caldifo1l1lia of Pu.nMic HiezJith to m2JnmairrJ a jpW:Dgrhln HOll' ihe
rrC'gisilT".iJtioII1 of qunJifiiro mooical mmjmma pauients rulO aht'i;r caregi\ClrS lh1l'OMg!b 2
idciiliification cmd sys1em. S! aUC mt:dicd m arijUi:I..1rll Zl ydeimnfk<ll:ion caros
intended 10 help l oi ll\ oHicer5 a'THdl verify thlilU carToooJdlers rue llibk
cultivate, Mdi transport cerla-nn: ID1!1lHUnlS of m<llli'ijUJll3!.R1l2! being subject Uo
3'nt:sl. under cOll1lditoJ,"])!'.' . I D62. 7H e J. ] i362. nn The MMlP A
possession 101 cardholders. and recognizes (jjooJificl from cnmin1i;!
lnabiliT)' for the colkciive or woperntivc cuhivCllKiofll ofmedk211 ( 1 U62.7,
11362.77. !J362.775.)
it is mandatory that ali cOWilties partidpffi1e i;n ilie ideH1l1ifACaaion coo-d program b:y
(a) providill"ilg applications upon request no imih;idVlals seeking RO join the idemific2l!ion
card progmm: (b) plf(Y.:essing completed (c) certanm records:
(d) follm\'irrng state implementation pmaocols: ffifld (e) DiP'H idel'llRnfic21tion cards to
.. ed "lpplicanfts cmdl designated caregivers. ( ] 1362.71(b): Cmmly
Dieg(j San Diego NORML (2008) 165 Ca1.AppAth 798. 825-82K)
Parilidpaaion by patients and primary caregivers in the identification card program is
voluntary" Ilowever, identification cards oHer the holder pwt-ectnon from <nrrest ,
me issued OIDY after verificutioilll of the cardholder' S slatus as a qualified or primary
caregi\'er, and are !mmedialely verifiable. they rcp:resenl one ofilie best \-yays to ensure ahe
security and non-<iiversioi11l of medical marijuana. Information about the idci11ItRticaaion card
program, as ""en as mMy usefu1links. may be found on DPH"s website:
W\\""'.cap!!.C<il,gov/prOb"TamslMMPlPagcs/Medicai M::crijLWlJ13 Program.asp,,;,
/-,dOPlCd in I }70. the Controlled Ac! ,SA) eSililDiished fedemA rcgul",a'}:f)'
system designed to recreational drug abuse lOy makiJl1lg it um!<;iV\,ful to ma::1lufactun:.
distribuit;, dDspense, Of possess any controlled subs&ance. (2 J lJ.S.c. 801. et seq.:
v. Oregpn (20'J6) 546lJ.S. 243, 27i-273.) The CSA reflects federal
govemmem's "ie\\' thai is B drug with -iliO currentl y acceplro medical Ulse:'
{21 U.S.C. 8i2(b)lEJ.) Accmonngly. lile m&lTmfactmc. or of
rnruijwm<ll is a ft."'dlclfa1 crjrnRlna! (lti. 84 i (.aJ}t i). g44(a).)
- 2 -
lh'f <;,'flIO Um'l,' hm-e g1ven: to lJ.!T1Idi':'JSwl.'ui:zJbk
U,!](,r"JLlll.nm:t'l} '. bU1 IJ]O roerd" "mol ie-deJa! 1m">' 1!t'fll
. .
f h..,,s plrOviri!f'C ;;W,fi!;::- Hi\: f<tiJil<i:Et' 1m ,<;(' ,(;i
rm, .. ih,'Si '; k'1"- dO>t5 IrD>:;iniye\)
\1l,ith ilhf CSA, (21 iL} .S.c. 9m.) hndetc.
hay!!: IlIlpheld fcdier.,:J preCmpUROT:i ojSom DirrRo. JHjJI1. r,.
165 ;;:! p:p. AH 'Fd '1". Off), I!f A NiAhdm (20W) J f7
7}t 759-760. 763.} 215. fi1i<:H nhe ClC!1J:1licrr
('SA hec:i1ui5-12'. in .. Cl id: JlUilempl iO marijuZK1
undt-iT J<l;\,\;. e,,;elTcnsi:'Q jhe s rcs.en'ed PJ>VH':JrS no
offeJITi&."'S frum oorli,;>Jr lz;-n,' ,,;'bl!'lfll ,,1 plhJsicfia,"]j tj;3!.S H.'.'comme'll0.r.::0
its UJlM;' ilo llTCOiiU <Jj s:ernous medcal ("if)' of (javaam Gm\'e S'fpl!!riur CORFU
O:Jw) (2007} i57 Cau.AppAth 355. 38] -3S2.) fedll\:Jr'.iJ gon:mmell!i has uhf:
power 110 liIlI1d e!ThYorcc its 0"1,'0 sumrilards. hUJIi the Tenu1i io
United SizlUes ConsUirutiolil. iR C,lHf'nJrn:D1! force Gl sRafl e u) imp!emem a fcJelf(ll] reEUJI)atm}
progrnm.
In light of California' s to remove nm:ll ividucls;. groups. and activities from
ihe SVlttiP olfahe saale's drug Ja:ws. this Ollice rf'coIDh"l!llci!1Ids nhialt state and nHull(JJw
oflficcrs mJ>1 &rest ill1irliividooi::; or- seize m;a;rijuml1l<:l .. mdcJr ieditt:'i'a! law ,,,h.:-n th..::
officer dletemtines from the avaaUablle thiilfi tihle possession, orr
transporuntion is pemlitted Ulnaer Californua's medical marijwmQilaws-. This
rccOmmefl1dZltiorru is oot meant qo cllllamlge this Oftke' s pvlicy tregrurdill1ig the cy
state or locaJ Jav> enforcement agencit"S on jOt[lll SUlne-fcderal drug i(;Jsl forces or
Opl!r.lltBons.
The California Slate Boord of Equalization (HOE) has !lIdoptt::d <ll pnHcy ofta'{nng mtt:'dicai
marijua.Jm transactions ood requiring trunt businesses engaging in such tmnsaJctimlls hold a
SeHer's Permit. (\\"ww.boe.ca.gov/newslprllf/medsdler2007.pd[) Accordnng to BOE, the
SelJer' s Permit does not allow individuals to make unJa",ful saks. it merd)' provides l
way to remit cmy sales and USf taxes due. BOE darijied its pnlicy in a June 1007 Special
Noince and again ill1i a January 2010 Special Notice
that focallscs on payment of lax liabmaics. ('Nww.boe.ca.go-v/ncws1pdf' J245.pdf.) in
february 20 B 1, ROE ruled that tlnle sale of medical mallijwma ns oot exempt from saks
a-; exempt (\\",yw.bne.ca.goy/news.(W11 /32-1 l-H.pdf.)
The Medical Board of California licenses, inYe5tngatcs. and disdplines physicians. See
lBR"i . & Prof. Code. 2000-2521.) Although state la\'l,' pwhubnts punishilnlg physicians
simply for recommending marijmm3 for i!reatmf.'mlt of a seriOUJlS condition
( ] 1362.5(..:. ihe Boord can and does take against physiciMis ",hn bil
10 i.irlhuc no accf'jp'uoo medlic4.1J! st2tll1lQ,mlls p2Juie::uts <lI.'illd recommending
m<llfijWJma. or whO) yiolmc rules agailTllst corporate pr01.-:tiro: of medicilill::,
Th'r: iB0!JlirJ h2S dal]li1r.di tfJii: s1<ilndm..:':5 6ii physidlli'"r rnlLI5t Vdl ,Cn
m",ri}flii<:n;:Z, uo rJ pmEf',n: ,lbt or;,es. Ci <mJ pnl;(ifT::
vdht::!T! fcr;:nmmr!r!Ji:rrg {iT ir:g <!tIfl:)' LJ
B':' <mL' <!J mm ijtibl"GCi OCFli,U!ta&ioiIT IE';" ohe:
J, Providng informed consent discussion of side cllecis:
6, Keeping pmp:el' reClNrds supporting aht' (J:ci sioB TIL ,"(>,cfDmm!11I:dl the ;U;5A: of
mediCa} illarijUllillrl21.
Complaims aOOu.t physicians may lodged! \'\,iif;ll l\:llcdnc<llJ Cdlll!ing f.:ml) 63 3-
2322. or by visiling \\"yw,mh.:.cZI,go'\' /consumer:'compUaim_i nfo.1'11tml.
/L PltnysidalffiS may non pl'fscribe mmijuans.
the U.S. fond Drug Adlminisuation Jreguiales prescription drugs.
<lind marijilll\L'1l3 is :film prescriptnon dn.'.g. l?lhysic:21ns may, ho'V,,'eveT, h:J'wfu!Jy
issue a verbal or wrinen ruommendalion wIDer California nndicating that
mallrijUEn<l. would be a lrealment tOl a serious medica] conClntiolrl,
11362.5(d): Comm! 1,' . Walia., (9lJn Cir. 2002) 309 f.3d 629, 6}1.;
lB. Ji'lfimrlry A prima!)' caregiver is person \\'110 is desigir.l2lted by G
qual Hied patient and consistently assumed :-espvnsnbWty for thc
health. or sate!y" of the patient. ( I) 362.5(e).) The mvner 0Ir op2ratolf of a
licensed clinnc. health care facility, residen1iru care iaci lity. or a hospice or home
health agency also may designated as a prifl1l1J21ry caregiver. ( 11362.7 i d)( I).)
A person does nOl become primary caregiver merely by haying a pat1t;nt
dcsng;;;ate him or her as such. California couuils haye emphasized the need for a
subSRantive patient-cruegiver relationship. Anahough a -primary caregiver who
consistemh' grows and sn.npp]jes ... medicirraaR marijuana for 2: section] J 362.5
patient ns serving a health need of the paniem," s-.omoorrne ,,,,no merely maimains a
Slmrce of marijmma does n01 auaornatically become the part) h@s
consistently assumed responsibility torr the housing. heCilhh. or safety" oftibzt
pU!l'cnas.cr. (People ex Tel. l.ulJgl'en v. Peron 0997) 59 Cal.AppAlth ]383. J}!)U.
1400.)
- 4 -
To iSiS rrnm<llry <1m Dl'"lrli'ririlu,:JlJ "'t!<c
in) cOllrsis'lt'r,u]y p::-midicri! cQ:fcgiying. Q2) indcplfIo':iflit ()If an) <ilssisiiam:r ir
medica! 0) <ilP. ("if hdorc uht' t]ffit: 0:' o;:S5iL1lme..:: U";3)1i'DlliH::;,ihi. l iJj-
ffiOlJiji1lru'J2L" fPI."ajJiP',fa: . Ud'Huh 45
21)J.) !l'il shou,!, flh'i:' jp'tlrs'ml mvs! ";:;, cmeiia:;;: ir;g dj:;j uht
core S-lJTYD\,aB needls of QI seriously ill pllJuiem. siiitgle
need." Od. r. 2fl6,)
A Pl."lr50lfl as primary to "mmf dll;f,TI OiiC" ifahr:
arrnd cMegi\cr all in me S>lllHi,c riKY Of COlJITlli),. bVlP, stn;:'
as c::tTtfgi\'C'J patiem his or her mHo orr
2
(Co /1, qaalclfncdi pEticlI1a is a jr,t'fS,O]1l phys.nci<ill!i
the UlS\: of mariju<liIrna to RJezl &;) s-f'nlGaJls CBJriil:er.
anorexia AIDS. chronic pElino sjpla51nciay. gTIslucoma. artih:riuis., migrnme, or a1!1lY
otOfJ illlli:ess for which marijuana pwvuaes rel;ef. i! 362.5(b)11 )1 A).)
ii}. A recommcnding !ph} is ClJ person ",.-ho
( I ) pnssess-es 2l incense ilf1l gondi io p:r.G.ll::tke in Carlifomj3J:
(2) 00s taken respull1sioiiit} foll' M>mt!' of the mroicall care, treatment
diagnosns. counseiing, or referral of a patie!lll: atllld (3) ims compEncd with acccpkdi
medical srnndaIrds that a reasonabie mui physician \'l.'c .. whelJlJ
re'Comrneunding or 2lppro\'ing marijuana for the Ueatmcnf of his or her panicDJu see
dis.cussion in Section LF. above).
Ga:mlLU:\iI:S DNlDlfl\'aDILU. Q['AUHEf!l) P,.'l,1filF<;"iJS
C EftS
]. Pbysicimll Rt'Commeli!dfltion: To qualify for protection under
Proposition 215 or the MMP A, patients malls1 obmin ell or
recommendrlllion for marijuana from ell licensed ph:ys5ciallTh. ( 1 B362.5(d). )
2. Stflte (Dr Cnliforni2 MediC".!l8 M:lrijlllflJtjfj MeDtifinltil)fltl C:ilIrd: Unrleir the
MMPA. qualified patients and theiu- primM}' caregivers may volumtarily
apply thron.ngh their count)' health dcpru-umeJlllt (or the designated county
agency) for ill card issued by DPB ioientifying aR1lem as ell persOllil ha is
authorized to cultivate. possess. and transpvrt certain qwmtities of
mariju&lITICll for medical To help law eilTlforeemem officers ,'ent)
the canlliolder's idcil1Itity, each card OC--cl"S a idf'UlItificanioTl numbt:r.
and a verification d2ltabase is onliH'Jt:' <lit .... hr,
iiddliuioJ1!, the the nrune ef thE depail1mem th:c;,
approved the appincalion. and an Jl<r:Uf'. ( 1
1 1362.735IZl)OH4): 11362,745.)
5-
30 PD'@lJ)f jj)G P:r;Ll5:r'rr::J AWf] ,D>lLIlgh,
. 11 . n 'lT1l . ."' - fI. ; ') ,
Rf'C\)mC8lE.y ]p'tifl.'iIJtmen "- u 'UECC'
p;:llUienh ..:mry' pwuf
110 hdrr ahem ZJyondi '::ITt:: . A 51<Jj1lii:: ':cl?d
bt's,! fOITfi uf proof is cz;siiy 2lJTtJ p:;midles
stannory immUli1li'ly from arres'i jf cremin cO!1rlntions. aJrC IslX
III.BA. bdm\.j (Maa 011 mfmx!i3hip cru-Qs. 1i15
is.sued by cdleruives .md con,lfttrnli ve's, sJiJoliU!d lJ]0li hi:' ndirr.-d
allpon by qualified Ol rnfo;rcemem.
-iJ. Wll-8;NilfDD'J' VilI\rilti iihe MMPA rrim.ary caTt:gin'rs
cannoU hr- hflc1 criminaHy Jialbk forr cU'ilDiil <:lens. iImfilJdliTllg ulhe rccei:pt of
for aheir pr0\'idcs uhal
"dcsignmed pnlr.ll<ll]')' caregi\er who ira.'1s;pi)ris. processes,
ddin;'Ts. OI gives <ll,'!,'81Y" cc-riai1l1J 4ltmmmts of mariji.MIttr:4ll his or h.:r
is not subject. on than soRe basis.. Ro cnimnna! liabiliu)'
UmlSp"'()'i1Zli]Q)O. cultivalioJ1l. OJ!' sales.
( J 1362.765(2.1), (b).) It further aha! caregivers ' .... -no
receive '\:ompensation ()B' actu:!lJ expcrnse'S, including reasoJll<llbll:
for 5-ervkes providled to la palticHlIn] ,u use
mariju:L"l8J," or "p21ymem for out-of-poclket Dn pnn'idir;,g
those seT\'D.:es. arc not on thm sDk OOSBS sub jed no !iz:biliiY fm
marijwma distribunion or srues. ( ]
:\1MPA Uruess a ph}sici21rn lrccommeH1!ds a 1BlrgeK
qualiiied patients and primary caregivers who G1 s"..ill'bC-
issued identification card (see Sections I.e & IJ1.A.2) may p1.)ssess
8 oz. of dried marijuana. and may maintain no mme than 6 mat un: or
]2 plants per qwnlified \'"iiliout being subject
arrest. ( 11362.7J(e). 11362.77(a)-(b).)
processed flow'crs or buds of !he female cannabis pJoot shouDo hi.?
considered when detennining allowable quantities of medical
marijuamJ fm purposes of the MMPA. ( 11362.77(d}.)
b. MMPA Limits: Coumies mild ci:nes mGiY <adiopt
guidelines tha1 allow qualified! patients or primM}' caregivers 'wcth
slZlee idlwtificauion canis Qo )y0SSt'SS medical Dr! amoun::s
that exceed lhe Ml\'2PA's pDsS{:'ssior. limits. ( J 1362.77{c).)
21S: Qualified paiielrnRs Of :;>rimffiI)' caregivers druming
proaection ulIlder Proposition 215 possess and all
amount of marijuana that is "reasmll,,;bly Jdated 10 i th:,; y<>ltie!'l!f s]
91Ieeds." q TrippEl, ,wpm. 56 lai.PhppA1h at p. J 549.}
The M!V1!PA's possession limits de r!<U>J <llppi} %0 indnviduals assenir,g
a umkr PwpDsiuion 215. It.Pllopte 120W) 47
IOOtL 1043.]l
- (, -
--------
]. @ff Medic2J m:arijm;\fr,;:,. rna)'
sm .. is hy (h) zi'J OJ HM)1J; ft:.t'a ef 2; S;:' [:,; l;,L
co.:-ll1ie'r. m cernlRC!f (UJImJ<i:ss mednc<,;!lW:s,t .;:;
(c) Oil"! ell srhonl blllS. OJ ad) R!1 a m!1'o'ing motior '\;ehick Of b:)u.
( I B62.79.)
2. lUM' ((jlff 5lD tlliJ(1' If
Th<e use of marijamnzl h.I!' a.:comm{!';]i';ili:d fT!
he workpldilr.:e. during hml.fS, Oil an 2J]Y jdllEl. farili.1>. or
insafiulWtR())Kll. (* j i362.7tt5io;;).) m:o;}
:em1l.inate 00 employee' \\"Rllo tests. p'.Jlsnni..'e' f(J>R' mc<lllkClli m:;uijlUllLlWl.l1 H
yioJ21Dng ihc fmp)o)meilln and Housing or slJlbjertiJ1]g ibdf z.
cal.'lSt; of aCiion for tei1l1Tllirllill!nO!li iii! "i01<litio:rn of p16bDic I'
R49King Wire Tdecomm.'i .. Inc. (2003)42 Ca:IAuh 920.929.933.);
J. Hl'nvfb:-ltiillTilen"
dcfeii!d.aJJ;us and proootioners may re'lJuesi com approval to USf m:edicCil
marijuana while Ihl\!y <llH'e rdcasedl 011 Ollr The cOll1rfs
decision and 1I1lUI.sU be suatcd 011 the ood !Hl me mi;r;uies of
the court. 11362.795(a)(1}12).) Like,'\-ise.!p2lrolees \-,'hl!) &e 10
lise medical may requesu thillt they be a.D!owed to cO!llluirme
use the of pall'ok. The condiuions of parole
reflect "">'odher the requesa was gmnted or deilllied. ( 11362.795(b)11 )-(2):
see also (20W) 182 Ca1.AppAili 134K 1352-135.3 [ari2.i!
court could condition probMjon Or!! rrooll-pvsscssion of medical marija;: .. ma
as condition was related to crime of possession of for sale]:
People ,'. Morel (2010) }gO Ca1.AplP'Ath 836. 856-857 [court rna)
condition probation on non-llS.e of medical marijuana].)
4. St3te MediCJJI Mnrijufilul When a person
invokes the protections of Proposition 215 OlF the MMP A and he or s.he
possesses a s.tale medical marijuana card. officers should:
lRevie .. ",,' the idemiincCJltior. card arui "erity iRs vaJidii) by accessing
DPH's card verification \Il,'ebsne (w''lr\'.ca)mmp.ca.gov): omdJ
- 7' -
t' ,," I . "" R' , ' "- ' ""'" u..
llh. :;; W(' I.:hlC: ,("'Ji m <ilil!J: lllDlti j , ri:'H": mf ';L,
" " '" h" "' " ,,' ' p '" n
c ] rl '\CgEJi iBJ CTl 't un)' .. orVJgs. 4.Jj
Zlmomm cf ra"h}. li jj!.:' p'ffSn')1] 3S Uhe l'0>:;.:;;'!
, I" , , 1 " , ..
.. zrt.t0J51 b:.c
1Iiln1 im:: Unfilt'l ,!\2MIP'A. ");li !Jl p.eE'MmOl
cru-eg]\'er i,e ;possessioil'l; of eli 't;aiid medic431 m".:rijUi'ill <::
idJeiliifica1nm1! carrJ sJl2i!i h\: sllbject 2.i!iitE'S1 fm
l r.mspDrilOllt icm" delD'''Cirj. <u>T of maurDjVialilf,:
I S 1. furthermore, a or 1t'J\'\,,,
m nm Lii 1:.:t:pU an C';:,FG
issued by rnPH the ()lJ Bocili l Im'1>' ;;;ge: !:i Cj m
omc.:" ha" l:'4llUJISf: uo bclDe,;e me
contained ill1 qhe callrd is false or, frZllll!:ru Ua:eJm. c&ilfdl i [bi:'zng u:;."c"c
fraudtdcntly:' ( J
o aJ pt'lf54Jlfl dCllims Pl1oiccuio!!1 urilder JPmjlMsi tnolfil
115 OJ the MMlP A. but oll1i l y h411S all ur vcroGlI) recommeR1Jrl@1DOi']
tirom a licensed physicft&i1. onict!rs should iheir smmd YJrOfess.ion2.1
j!1JGgmcnt io assess :he of the person's mt'dica)-use claim:
OHl iL;.:o;rs lfllot abandon uflnf'nr seGJeJ':l or imesiigaiiofl,
SCa!Tch and seizure runes apply to pDicmiml violc:nions of medica!
marijuana lav.s, suspicioll] is requnred for deien:ion.
, ... hile pmbable cause is required fOF search. seizure. illnd <llITCSi.
lI-D. Ofnic<EJrS should! TCviev. MIG. jf possi ble. validate any \\'::itten
It may contmn tfhle recommending physician' s
narne. telephone number. address. and iicense number.
;1". If the officer TeaSOUlably bdic\'e$iliat the medical-llSc d anm is \alid
based upon the ioftality of the CirCa1IIDSmnces. &00 the person is
within state or local possession simi,s or possesses an amount that
app:ears to be consistent \vith their current medical needs. the person
shouJd be released and the marijuoo<t should not be seized,
:1. Aht:matively. officer has pmbable cause to dOi.lfbi vafi idity
of a person' s medical marijllliJlllJ claim based 1lllJ'm11 the [Glcts 2!nd
circumstances (induding the quanaity of marijuana. packagilrng fm
srue. weapons. midi drugs, pay-owe sheets. or large of
cash), the person m<:l)' be arrested and marijuana may be sciz.:-d.
31 " .. ill thm IUlp to the prrson to' esaabJBsh his or her mcdncal
marijuana detense in court if the dist rict atnome)' elects to prosecll te
the case.
1. OHicers l ife non obJigaaed Un "J pen'Soon' s claim of hill\'i ng <1
Yelfbilll physDcian" s recommendaiiol!1 tima C2mIfl;Ol bt: readl i iy veniie-.1
\ ... jlh the physician aime of deut:l1lion.
- 8 -
---------
(fy, [Mtf'(fI!lJU!E(G !P@u.'H,niB iLrumfia,",: h<::-; ",,'hEu l ,,; r" .;:: \ did'
1 iI
o::.:ceeds ahe 2JiPrlic..,i';:lk
n,ki1tifiw 2JJ'On,,:. <'In mc.'Jr ij L1<Ill1[, J:E2)- ft,t' f,filCJ ,
7 0 1iJ:w(t: b1<ve
la\\n.uHy may arrest a jpeifSVT.J fm any crime. In !hf
DS m
/iln imlli\'iJlUl11l1 sus-peeled! of clJl]Jh <:iU:I!1l. m-
mruijlJllllOiEJ it:w <:l pMrpnse to
(See. e.g .. v. row'; ; 75
CaI.Ap:ii,.4\it> 729. 737-73fl: [SU.lllUC hl:\'" f 'mlforcemel]a officf'lfs TrD'l <;l
qW:iiificdl paiem in desumy [platrJilS "\'iW,1J\lU)U no
they are commbmJId].) l\ probable mu}'
Gl;;'; officer's expencYlre' !!] im'e'stigatim7J a7lJcI 0Jr
of mediinlJ maIrijilli!ln.<J IS;W5. 4 See P!opie t', J lm:lvuj1wdd
!20D9) ]76 CatAlPpAlah 997. 1019: sec ,lbi!) People ", Dmd (20 lOy un
702. 71 ] fa jiiiV!, ell1fo1freme1f3ft officeir is l1Iot .cquin:dl ao qju4',iif)
a..; al medical marijooVllll expert to tes1it)' fil.ai a qj11Mllllifit:J p<liticni
mariju::m<l for
iI)fl' :t'Ua:iWJJ llf III
scized] by 121\\ eniolTcenttnt " medica! m
coun. or ahe case is not prosecuted, he Of she file a mOliol1 fcw' rCu1Llm
marijuana. Ifahe motion is gnmaedl. uhc indh'idool 0, e'nlity subjec'l
to the order must return the propeJ1}. cnJorcemcm ofilicefs \\'ho
hlmdle cOI!1lQroHedl substmlcCS in the oftlheir official o1utics are
from JiZlbi!it)' under CSA. (21 V.S.c. 885(d).) Once 1ht:
mmijwma is returned. tederal authorities are flree to exercise jurisrilictim:
oYer it. (21 U.S.c. IH2(c)( 10). 844(a): Cif), ofuartlm Grow.: . . mpm.
] 57 Cal.App.4th <lit pp. 369, 386, 391.)
The MMPA gives and caregivers a limited collectively a.nd cooperatively
cuhivCllte marijUID1la. Section J 1362.775 provides thm:
Qualified patients. persons \\ \'Clllid identificClltio:J1l and the
(k-sngnated primary caregivers of Qualiticd pdlltients andpers.ons
with cruds, \,.-on ass.ociate withiD1 the Stale of
California in order coHectiyely or cooperativei) to cultivate
marijuana for medical pilllrpDSCS. s.hcll nOlt SQidy on the basis of dual
tact be to state criminnl under Section 1 357.
1 ] 358. 11359. 11360. 11366, I 366.5. or i 1570
'j he M\1PA does not the terms cclBectnw OJ!" cuu>pe1iCltn\,C'. fl'lTU\t it is of ihis
Office !hat any grolllr is cnllectiH'Y or cuitivCllting "no c1istrib<;Jliir.:g
marijuana to its members should be cmrii illil
ensures the or crop ami s.akgmnds dh'ersicm fo;r non-medical
- () -
JiSPi::JS"lff) is rinmj iU1 :; s .}IT d1dE!l1t'J iH, th"f \1i iVW /1 . bm ;1 : -
used Dr: thlC a'i1ld (\1t"
W [JIY j .. di,.jdifJl'::,j DE gW'-lp dispi:nlls]ng Olf OU!hliT\,\>
mdic;-;]I growr.: iYy G.1 if mOlJ' of iis memb.:'JS l.\\; the O(hef
of entcrprisi:. Thf.: 1lyp.:-s in Caii20mia indvck
wmmercDali bus;nesses. s"U.Jdll .. thnse mm dis.)P'C"J'.l5-i' o1Y5c6. agriculw,<::l
111oos. <lllfildl thmi.5gh s-<ffvict's: or 1halt
xFom cgpl:l.!!amd kmt m1di oKb:I Nu ffi1iJTItr ihi:.
form of ('L'Ji<r.;prris.r. i'i S7l11'iUlJd lh:: Ofg21nil\i!'d 215 ;)j corr ltT!i'.'e 0;: and nOi!
makf: a protil.
No b"!.1J5iness CGlJi ilsdf a "wopt"rotive" OK C((HlJP) is pwpedy
orgzJ1!zed ami registered as ss.nch lmdcr me COrpDrat;ons 0: food anril Agricdturd
Code. (Corp. Cooe. 123] ](b).) A mu.!si file ufinwfWD!C,tiGT:
\\'ith the and cooou-ct busint'Ss for nhe m\lJ1wl or iis (Jd.
* ]2201. corpurntior,s are "'demo.:rnancally col1troDkd and
.. re not organized to make a profia for tbemsel ves. as such. or fOIf members. as
as pallmns:' (ld. 1220].) The earnings of
the business must be aNdlOrUfe---generuJ wdJare ofias members or equntlllbly
dis1!rib'!.!led to membt:rs in the form of cash. pmperty. credits. or sen-ices. Uhid)
(' ooperaaj"\,cs must foBo\'\. strica ru!es 011 mga:miza1ion. <irlides. elections. <ind
distribution of earnings. and must rrepVi1 Dllldi\'idaJIBJI transactions trom members
each year. (See id. 12200. c: seq.) Agricultural coope/l'altivcs arc
nonprofit corporate entities "since they are raol organized to make profit for
themsehes. as such. or fix their members, such, but only for members as
producers." (Food & Agric. Code. 54033.) AgricuitalJml coopernain:'s share
many chlllrncteristics \\ith consume, cooperntives. ISee. e.g .. iJ.. 54002, d St:4. )
('oo[perntivcs should not acquire marijurn1i<ll from. nor distribu;tc it to. mm-memOers.
As noted. the MMPA does not detine collecunves. ibua the dictioflaT)' dcfi1l!lcS them
as "<J1 h$iIDlCSS. farm. etc .. jointly CWElIc(l opt:'if2ied by the membeliS of a group. ,.
(Random Housf' DiclimUJIr),: Random Hoa.n5e. Inc.0 2010.) As such. a collectiye
should not O\\'nw by an)' onfe' peIrSon or limited gmup of pers.onS. olllil) by
membership as a ,,,hole - a membership 10 qualified patients and primLJIi}
caregivers. J\ collective aJso should non a.-.:quirc marijua!33 nm distrihute iO.
!1on-memhus: ins!caci. i1 snotlld be om mganizZltion uhGlg mend)' the
collaborative efforts of patient and c8rcgavcIl members - indudling the ailot:<!iion of
work. costs. a.."d Tc" .. enues. Fven llwmgh :l1 co!i(;'cti,,l' ]" oN :n as n
prnctnca.J i1 should olfg@'Jize as G"4.mr. of Rp carry OU; ,,0)
co:rr.mcrcia! adi,iiies may
- ]0-
medi4::2,! mari]aJl&'i1I<t a'Illd feD;), to IJiI'iw
lin,m CCi'J:fi li<:ii1l1i l'l:lariju.<.'::TIlzJ (lJ CHuTBiJi\';i
%'! iHidtldt' bmvrnies. btmei. oil. ice (Tcam. <iJJlJ:;]
not: &"1lU like commcn.:iagly 1'0001 pmrlm':ls m
f mr'ihermolr<e. S'!1>mc dispelITls.alrif' pmmnh': tiM; Cn"icdilCY of ceTi12.in st !f<JjlGS
uf m<lmijrulllllll5J to pnlf'iiC'lIIhllll' illiiments. UHr fail io maTijuml l'J m
ofi'erred Ull 'with manu8acifUL.])]g or 'm,mrCq; DnfoJrfflani (iiJ1. \ "
orr fOir pmjp'.tlr ,dosage OJl' use.
T!h( sak. lahdhlTllg. adhicnisilllg. Ellil:di diis.pr:mirrig of ioan!
fegl1lli:JlteJ illl undicr She,mGi.'D fooo. Drug. Cosmdic LZlV. ,
wdific.3 in i Ell,)] 5 of tlh!:e Ekahh &. Code un-,,,,
l"'hding. a'1dl dkinvt:'u) mOliufijlJlallrJllli fooo 111:',1
iin PropnsitBon 2 ! 5 urr- the MM fA. l!lOli" do mec'ic::.i
anri rd21ted fO'v\J1 pmdm:is from nhe Slh!cnmm La"' .
state and amthmities h<ilve ht'gllln focusing on SZifet)'. iiind! ach'crtis:ng of
medica! ma;rijuama. ruJld the aduherntion ruJld of food producus ",,,;iuh marijuana
or THe ahIrollJgh tine Jens oft" the Sherman I.<lIW. AH1th:m.llgfin C<!iliforni2,'s aplP-C1I2iGe COUlll1!S
have )'ei to apply the Shcflmll\n Law in the medica] marijWlM context. @flO
manufacture IG>ll' offer edible marij'l.1looill produea.s to t&neir memb:ers. s.ell ii 11{)
cooperatives. or co!Dft:aivf'S. or otley loose. lmJabl"iof'>r1 do
50 tiDeir O'WJI risk. and ensure &"';;j' ;;ompiying ",,.'ilh applicable stalle fu"td
local foOO mod drug weu) cmd lah:ding laws. as ",,'en as Proposition 2) 5 and f\1I\lP.4..
{'ollectnves and cooperatives should be organized \ ... ith sufiicient Sill"'OCture to ensure tnt:
securiuy and non-diversion ofmarijurutl2 uo iJlicit Mcnrkets. alld compliaJrlicc 'with a!1 state
a."1d locaJ Bcllws. The foHowing are some suggested guidelines a.'1rl practices
collectives and cooperatives to help ensure la\'\'fuJ operation.
The MMfP'A confirms thlll for-profit sales i!lTe forbidden. ( 11361.765(3) i"nor
shall IDl)1hing un this section Cli.'Jahorize amy inai\'idwl or group 1.0 cuhi"atc OJ
marijuana itlU' profiCI.) Thus. distribution and for profit of
marijUffiM - mroicru or Olhemise - remCJ!1J! criminal under Caliiomi21 l<1Iv,. This
Office is of me opinion that any monetary p:Ilyment. or any provision of gooos or
services. nn exchange for medicZlI marijuana. be it a fixed fee or
rcimbmsemc1l1lt rOT medical mrurijwma received!. documellllted amd be-
carefully calcuJaued to provide no more jr. \'alue than the I:,st of cuhiv2Iti;lg
and! pvoviding medical millrijuanZl Uo memltn:rs ruilO tfl2lt there bl? nn if OJ any
in the slIJPiP1y cila;in from nO' pmuient ]f a cil.!lhi"Zltm.
delivery or other w1kcti\"c or coopermiyc emerpnsf' is p[I"()fi1nlllg from
iss memi)'.;:'fS rna} be subjecu no pmsecmiol!] tlndler Califomi<ll's marijv.arm
la\\s, (See SertioIn LA. a inn e.)
- H -
l:: j1K' of lhis <OlITiiy rOffii')t:i1s",,;f, ie'm Wiii:ll t} c) 4};!
no ff); olisj:Jf'nsu, nlizirijalla:Ja
ciLBhiv!iJtion). OJ ,,,,-jjo fi>r=uZine diisPf'lllY3.urJ'. s!h"x.Jd bt ,ft'!
,. , . J ' Ii': G fi' 1l.1 . .- '
l((ll CEmrmSj1 02 l1li lUt: 1i:'ii1?muay. I:;
illTJdl hi!'mJB! !i lP';]udl no p.ef:;'HlllS simil an .fob
descriptions and thllaies. 1C'\ds of education and e)l;penence. prim
hisionlC:;. a'Tldi of hours payum,:rr,t b1)TIu:St: :'c
shnuM he cOiilsidellN P;;',lii Of"dC'OllSOJllj"bk c(:'omp!:J1I53JiiIDEil.
l\/l:'i'Jf"A pn:wiiCit's aho:ii ccrt21ir: Pl:'liS Olr,S nLl;l(Jl I:dkc1i\ c'r
YO cuhi"'iJlie mlllrijruma fOJ sh811 rGJ1
tr.H!..<;is of ilh31 suftrj..:'i:! io S'lale few 21 1JmiciI) >vf js;.:'
pm!hibitcd conduct. indudnng distrii'n,11imll MOl I 1 U62.77S. } The It;
whidlll reimbuusemeini memhers to a colDectivc Olf G.:ooperativf>
distribmDon or salleS uh21i Me excmpterii jfiom Cnmi'l!1d by s.eruBOlll! li 1.362.775
is am ururesuD'red legal queS1laon. ami some jurisrlictions comeJid tn;)Ju ::I!h sud"
tf&'1sactiIDlll!S are crimimnt VVhe!hu Rnmsactio!1s bttweeTi f: collective and
its members 2l.re crimina! or JOl::Gil jmiMilici]I{))lIJ)S may ban': elie [m'llfli"l Un PS<ll'L(:
limitanions Oil1i llhem as an exercise of local zoning. ",o'flO Eice'nsing
.nnhmi!v. (Sec V. hdow.)
------... .
30 Iililil
--
Th"" Ml\1JP'A provides. \\ith cen;&in uimt "[nJo medical marijail&:l2J
cooperative. coBecuive. di spt.'>[1saT), . eSllibiishmem. or prm ide, \vno
possesses, cultivaJtes, or distributes medical marijuana . .. shall be iOClillCd winhin a
600-foot radius of a school." ( 11 362.768.) As nn Section V helm\'.
local jurisdictions may p!Elce additiona;! reslricaions on the iocation of
ami cooperatives because the l\NPA "does not wnfer on qrulJified and
aheir caregivers the unfettered rightt to cultivate or marijuana Cill)"where
they choose." (HiIl\', County Angeh.?\ (201 ]) 192 CaJ.App.41h 86] at p. (,<4.)
As explained in Section LE of these Guiddines. those eng(ftging in medical
tra.1I]S3ctions must obtailTll co Seller's Pc:rmit 3lJ11d rem;t stauc !ax.
Some cities and counties C!l1so require dispe:rJsing collectives and Ie
obtain appropriate permits and business licenses.
\Vhen z; p>Eaicna 0lI' primary caregiver wishes jo;r; <11 OJ
group can help prevent the diversion IDf marujliJlar.;zl non-mediic<n1 use by hc:VDfflg
potemiaJ members a \nincTl Tht: fn!lm ... i!l1lg
appluc<lluion guidelines should bi: foHm .. 'ed to t,dp cnSIUlH.' ih<lil. ma'l'iju&lil1J .. gHn,.n
medicd use is not cin:'rted illicit ma,let."-:
- 12 -
'Veri I) iraan \ s 4i f)J2iii'iDI m pr]mCJr:
cZclfegh-fK. PT.iuess he m Slhf ihlR'" HJkf: mrdic'zJ, n"ltijrJi:il:G'-:,
carri, uhis ShlN12k
1
W::nR"lcU nh,:
re.:ommG'ildii1lg p{J),sncirul (m m \erifi .. -.r,iioJri
p:fJysicnoo's ideJllltity. as ,,,,en a3 his or heir sta:1i e niceJlllsing
VelfificOilnion of Shl{'i!l]hl! indUije '0'; i]},
Uhf qUallificdl 85 \vetil <liS {if'lfr,c PEUDi'"f:\'.
C opjcs bE m@1i1e of [he rlhysPria1'1: -
recommefildZiUiol1 Oll carct if
/1,,-. DZi\'t:' indi,iduZlJ nD>J ao iH TIllirl-
memh.:-rs:
il.'. ihc indlividiUElJ agree U1Jot UO' fOlf iha'il
medical
ail. Mminl.c:ilin membership OITll-siuc or h<li'l;e [hem reao;,mlaftrly
available;
Tmd; when
ioentification cards expire;
H21\e ahe iUlld iYDdillill1 ;n oaher coiiecnivc'S
aJIild stat I! the necessntty tor and
ll:::nforce conditions of membership by C':t.c\udil'lg members whDse
ideniificauion card or physician recommendation are im'3Rid OJ
expnrcd or who are caught diverting marijuana for mm-mcdicaB use_
6. fllild Co@pt'rntin$ ShOMBd tJillld Ollilfty
L2\l'fuU)" Cultiv2ted MflrijuZlDa:
ColBlt:'cthes and cooperntives should CUJtiValiC their o"m marijwma. because only
marijUWlTlR grown by a qualified patient (or a primary c<llTegiver to a quajjfied
patient) may JawfuHy be tmnsported by. or distributed ao, other members ofihZtt
coBkcti\'t: or cooperative. (* ] 1362.765, I B62,775.) The coHective or
coopernni"t!' Trnll)' then allocate it to othelT memhers of the groaJIp. Nothing al lows
mruijumm to b1! pllrchli1Seo orothernise aCqjllired from outside co]kcti\'c OF
for dis1ribuaion ao its members. the cycle should be <il dosed
circuit of marijm..'13 cultivation and consumption wian 1110 purchases or sanIEs 110 C'l
Ii-om non-mcmbelrS_ To help preveilt diversion of medical marijwm3 to ncm-
medical marli:ets. wRiecniws and coopernti'i"es should document ml:'mbi'r's
contribution of Jahol". res,OUIces. or money no the cntc..-prist'. Thcy alsu inu:k
and reco!;d ahe source of their mruijuamil.
- J3 -
n ',,; pEW' iiks 1C':i:i:t<2Jin uht righl :;1) dy c'
ill <.: it
irudi\ idlXllls may fW> mt=mlh.crs of ml1!iilPk colie'clin:f L'I:'"
P8tienis ,me primary caregiwfs ,,,no merely cuntivClI1C )<li!:glt of m:llrijmiiflB
.mldi SlliPP]} 10 more nhiJIU"i Oill:e colkcti'%c OF cal>1JJr..ernni\(t Ci".;&th: anc
increase <i:h<illiCC of cihel"Siolll ntW nOH-Jml:!'ci.:al pl.Li!Jl'D'Sl"S. !1'9i::;
of the opiTiliO>l1 arid cn:;lpi:mtiH,'S s1rli1:lt'lM ! I )
mtvr.b.;i;"S h? 11.\ Ii: m.:mb.crstip's in or CODlp-t:JClUivfS
idcmifyiFlg sudh rulG sft411iin;g the need for lil')
(2) acquire medictAi marijuarl31 or edible prooucts fmm Gln} memheE N
supp}jes marijuana to other 0,
A. co!le':iin: OiT supplies maE'ijoon4t &0 a QlUlEI!i1ieo JO(s EiOi
qualify as a primary carcgivciJ' O>lr. ihczE aiont'. People! ". ,\:!enldIO:Omn
45 C2Ii.4Ih 174. 283-286.)
/\ co!l ecti,,-e or may nO! distributc m21rijrultna :0 perstln
,., ho is nut a member ill1l goud sta."1ldill1lg of the organizClltion.
MarijUarRZJ illt " coHecli"e or coopcrntiw rOll" purposes be:
21. Provided free to qwJilied patients and primar)' caregivers who
members of the collective or cooperali'l.'e:
b. Pro"ided in exchange for goods pro"ided or services rendered Ro at; e
entiny;
l'. AHoeatea based on tees that are c:irccil)" calculaUed 10 co\er
costs. including overhead and operating expenses (Sf't:
Sccuions JV.D.I-2): or
cJ. Any combinatinr. of the ab;)\c.
p:crson ns acaing as primary caregiver to more Ghz.J1 one patieJru! undo sccii011
1 he in she may aggrcg2.llC the poss-ession and cujiivztion fm
each pmienn. For exa:nr.;pk. 2lppiying the Mt\:iP:\'s basic possession limits. if 2
primary carcgiver ,,,ilb a issued idemificmon card is resiPHl1silble for hree
paticnns. he or she may pnssess up to 24 01. of marijuana g OL p.:r pmiem) <lnri
may gH.W. up ao 18 er 36 pla,nts. Si:milariy. collecti ,,"cs and
m(lJ} cultiYCilte cmd in aggregate amounts 1icd iO
(14 -j
"'-.../
!t1tir muno.:'[s. To ihe (;,1' l<Jlrgt' of
.. I,\)r h::i\ c
rC' .. ClJ... aiICllbk when:
ihl. lranspor1ing the gWillP' s mariju,,"rl<:1: or
(\'. Opl:'muing a f!0>1 to ;r:r, L'mht'j:' 5 m

iJepccJl](iiil'llg upon rna? iflllt:iS ruld cirn.lmSirulCl."S. indiciZl mmjUZiB1lSll is not b.:ing giCt\tl1.
Imnspvrtedl. or for medi!.:al usc may give 110 pnooo!b]e cause s!;<!IJ'ch.
stinm:. <rna arrest. (See Pu"ople v. Hocharuadd .. H6 Cat;\ppAuh 2;1 PiP. lfH 7 - 10 1 g
i required to esuCllbiish th<J111ll coopernEjve OR' is OOTI
wiihin the I.n'l'j.) A ISI\\' C'nia.}:rcemem office,' s in mlTco!il:s imresuigauion.
coupledi \""ilh his or her knlowleClge of state i!lJl)",rij!ru.m&l is sufficilCm uo
(;'S[ablisUc compC'tcnce to author a search W<ll1"'rnnl 91. (id p. WJ 9.) The following
are guidelines to help ideniif)' medic all m:3l..1l1jUAalna .... es and coop<::f<iltin':s
are cpf'Thtnng mr.tsicie of snaRe llav,' .
As lIiloted above. the onny suatutoril) -recognized grouJP cuhiv2Jtion emities rue
conperniivf'S and collectives. C 11362.775.} It is thc opD1l1iol1l Office thai a
properly organized and oolJeciive or cooperative thau di spenses medical
marijuana thwugh a storefront. o. throangh other means as. identified in Sections
IV.A and B abn\"e. rna)" be iav"ful Wlldler California loll"". banu that that
do not substrultiClllly comply with the gaideiirllcs forth lllbovc. are lilely operating
ouasnde the protections of Proposition 215 and the MMPA. aoo thlllt nndividlll2Jls
operelt.ing sVlch entities may subject to a!"IC5t and criminal prpsecution under
Califomi2llaw. (See, e.g .. Peoplt: \'. lIochanadd .. wpm. ! 76 997.
10) 8-10 19 [dispensary operanors were propea'Jy aITe'sued wherc thcre \\'as no
evidence that pmchaselTS were actll!lal members of a cooperative or collective and
some ofuhe marijuana offered fOT sale was pmchasec from an oUbide smncej;
Peron. 59 CaLAppAth at p. 1400 [dispensary owner was not the prim;;.ry caregiver
w tlmusands of
When investigating collectives OIr coopem1i\'es. lin,' enforcement ofiicers (ljlso
should be alert fo:r sngns of mass production or iikgal srues. (a) fim!lTIcial
records suggesting thaa ill profit is being maal('. (b) excessive amoums of marijll!lama.
Ie) excessive ammm[s of (dl) failure 10 YoHlo'''' statf: lal"','s 2ippiicGlHe
to simila:r businesses. such as maintenance of an) reqUJ;iredl iiceD'llses a!mj! of
any n:quired taxes. including sales taxes. (c) \'\.'C'Zlp.nYlS. 0) i1iiciu drugs.
(g) pw-chases from. or sales or distribUlJuioD'llln. Jhm-memheIrs. 0Jr (h) dis.lrihu1i0:1
outside of California.
- ! 5 .
mu.Uf.:;:[ iLOLH U:\Q.;
C:n1.lLU'1JU'\)'
nJes :0f 10
mru-ijuaifilEl groW!'] mni!5rs,1 Jli,!:rp!)s,e:s oo.;If1IC non Hh .. ,, ;my m)!>
1\,7 iRliC]i markeiS: I]) . .,mj 0) lit eS!31bJishmwi andi
of zoning. lGIUU] US'f. and !Tefiz,tul; o:rdD!lllao;,rcs. h is s
opinion emon:em;['i1IU Zlrt:
prnh!'!:iioris of 215 and! ahe qs.:r. e.g .. Pwpk l', Hochmiludl.!!, ,qIP;"!L l f f
C<iJ ... c\ppAuh Zin W16-W]t)). 21m;1 ahm 2:nJ cede t'nfe:rremem <,;.;re :0, 7;
cffiriem me-ans to ,he cUlti\T,1ioll1 &i!,l)'K1! disu;h:..lftiOJj (if mwiccJ m4lbijl-lli8ij
MJ Tht, il]fc lila',
m"y WZli!]! ;0 cmliside1f in coRDerruiH:':; Oll.JriiO: CODPCifCiUivcs:
dis'uss.ed below. cities. 4JJrrilo1 coumies h<:I\ 'e bJl'DaJ 2HllliJhorit,Y lm!iltr uheifl zllJ!;rjll1ig.
and perminjng powers to regu2:lJte. and m2il1Y pwhybit \'arious am]
C:1icrprises. Some ciiies and cmmties have even proruilj!ed and
!hmvevc;r 5s ,m quC'stinrru iOCZll h;ne iht:' tc
en<ilcl Sll.u:h pmhebitions. j
Cities and counties hlil\'e bl''O<lId PU'''>'CTS iii) adopn ruJdl eniorce ordinances and! lreg:U!2\tions
10 medical mariju<:lna coBeclives. andl (JliIl r. ('mmly Lm
Angeles. 5upra, 192 Ca!.AppAth at p, "'3 [u:niicensc-d diisperaSID)' fm.L"lO to be a
zoning. permitting. aM licensing restrictioll1is anphcJd against Slliue law preemption
challenge j: City ". Krli.,\e (2009) 177 Ca!.App.4th 1153. 1175-1176 [holding
that neither Proposition 215001 the MMPA cities from using their zoning and
licensmg powers w dispensaries]; Ciff), oj Conma Xaull. .. (2008) ] 66
Catl.App.4th 418, 433 [failure to comply with the dty's pTO!:edura1 requirements before
opemiing a medica! Illillrijuana dispensary created a nuisance per se pmsua.'1t to the
mamicipal code: court upheld nssUlmce of preliminmy injamction l)
'1 he following are requirements thai local jurisdicuioilhs rna), depending on lorz.!
circumstances <ilnd B1<l1tanre of the cOITnsidier impnsing illS requiremeJlllts for
operntiolll 10 ensure the s.ecurity and non-diversion of marijua'rn!n for inlon-medical use,
A hhough courts eV2IhJ2!eO and uphdd some of the loIJowing restrictions. 1hc exK'm
to 'which such limitations are permissible under Propnsiiion 215 or the MMPA. and olher
applicable hfi\\'s, could mise umesohed legal qut'snions atll10 v,i1i depend upml
in \\hidl the restil'iCln01us arc applied:
11M'; issm: of \\ hethent!lic mi'oiclJI pJ'c.cmr1 h>mm5Bllg
cnopt'wtivles W2lS, mis-eel! 011 (JUtJlijied Pa:ienl.\ ./u 1'. Cily oj.4msheim, ,wp,'u, i 37 7 H.
1:11: ('I)j.r.rl of fmm.t WaS no: )t'i re-<ildl)' fm rCiiLlmcd l:a'i-'t' "l
superior court for pmceeCii!l1gs. Uti. "t pp. 755-756,)
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]. iPrm,isiol"lS lOR Sc.::mih. H.lCh m 1.'1\.I) .. <'[&S.
.. . . '- ..
pl!"(h:ediulfeS. t::lmnDr{;cifH. :::;l;;;nm Cimll
.. ..... '1i fj ... . ,
lighaing:
1. Ca:PlP1Illg ubi: rDJl]mOL'lf G:O! TI(C'':Q BV((>S Gina >. 0 n;rx:lTZ;!t'
commtrciaHy:
J. Bad,grlllu-ndl dit:>d:s a:rod j(clf
.(Jo limiting or resl(ricaing cash
s. UmuiDlilg CllHIOUl'llU of cash OlTil- sik: p,\!:dllJlriliurig c21sh
from being
<Do ZonDHllg restricuimlis:
7. Umit8:aio!rns dlesiglliie,] to f 'nSUlfC fQi,m-p,oi"il s1Idh <:;5
j})Bad to t'mployees ar,,,d reimi'n.!.lrs1:mcnts io
for gOllr1S amCl r:rm;iidleoi to the or
Prohibit members from in more dmn oruc conlecni"i,c
or \\itlOOul idemiiying sl.Dch membeJrShips (l\;md Siali!l]g 2l
medical need for saJlch multipJe membershnps;
PWhDbit of m&ijU2lfi<ll from 00)" mcmb:er ",,,-]ho medfield
manijl1laJlll! 10 <my mheiT coHective 01 coopern13ve;
] tDl. Reqwrements fm provision of subsidized wuID'iju.llamli to i!l]rome-
eligible patients:
:R B. Precluding rnedicaH mariju&lllI2l irom iS5-ued by the
collective or coopuaui\'e. e.g .. a staff ph)sician or other physici<m ioeated
on the premises:
J 2. Prohibiting on-site saJes of alcohol or tobacco:
13. Requiring permits and business licenses:
].4. Restricting the hours of operations:
15. Main1laining 4ll commumit}'-relations staff and pmviding that
person's contact information to JalW enforcement and neighbors in the
immediaae vicinity of the operation, to if there aTe operatiollllil
problems \\-lth the establishment:
limitations regarding on-site cultivation. TIlf1lcluding those impos('d on
other agricultuml operntiolllS;
17. Rights of access for o1licials of the to ensw-c compJian.:c with
!>"1ate law cmd local requiremenL";
Laboranory tesning of marijwma to ensure patient sately regarding
p4.-"S[icides. cmHaminates. and canrrllabinoid !e%'ds:
of rcpo>r'is verifying cornpjiulflcc "" anJ lnc<'J1

20. maimcmm1:c and "mdit of recmds thm
'" ith stali: and local imvs;
- i7 -
.
;2 P, locatiu'l:', ':5 tifO:'i, z,<;,d
cr,nr<cililJuivcs, t.:t'lIHer s.. P<:J};:;'.
lihrn:r.iiC's. <:l'fi.! rt&;]'Ct2':
12. nlidl &;i1f)d !nc;:.! saft:H) a'iJi wKz,hlI
1:\ ('ompliar'l.:t 'with fiB motIrlam;es ";PiP1k&ilbic 10 hu.."ina:'sses
<lin)' rC'S[ndt':Jl pw:u1ucu sudh ",so ITJlresrripllioT:l rurlldi .,:!{:oH1;r,tl; emil
Comp!ia.P'ili:C w:th <;111 S'i:h iIT1 J\liRomi'Y
(hJJide!iH1ltS Bef lilt arid flf ""llarijW-kJQi' (,of0-i\-j'j fliJ'?
i?llr;pos>es.
:":fiJelJ' Kh:L: ?'iMP A. ;bc of primary cclfcgi\'elf tn..: 0'" !T;e, OK
oPi:r.llloll. m,d up hI> uhl1\L"C Cil1Jlljpoyees by uhf m".1neii' Of of ccr1Jann d;ffilics.
lhiC'21Juh C4illrC rL"Sidienii.d care facilities. hospices. lli"1ld home h..:-aD1h
(. I L3:62. 7ld)ll }.} Ilkc.ms.e sllJld, an; umller MMP A.
onllnnanccs. slmu!d 5">',(;'cping Sl,K:O inlc the
Jt:scriplion of uses or o;pt:mtions.
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