COUNTY OPENS POT CARD ID SIGNUP

As Many As 1,800 Patients Can Apply For Cards

Medical marijuana patients and their caregivers now can apply for
state-issued identification cards in San Mateo County, officials said.

The cards serve as proof to law enforcement that the holder has a
doctor's permission to possess a small amount of the drug for medicinal use.

A handful of people applied for the cards on Tuesday, the first day
of the county's program, John Conley, deputy director of public health, said.

State officials estimate that 1,800 patients and 900 caregivers in
the county will sign up.

"So far, so good. This is new for us," he said.

To receive a card, applicants must provide proof of their identity,
proof they live in the county and a note from a doctor who is
licensed and in good standing with the state.

Applicants must have their photo taken and pay $45 a year for the
card. Medi-Cal patients get a 50 percent discount.

Local health officials then have 30 days to verify the information
before sending it on to the state, which issues the cards.

Cardholders can use the cards at medical-marijuana dispensaries,
although officials say they know of none in San Mateo County.

State law allows cardholders to have no more than 8 ounces of
marijuana and grow no more than six mature plants, said Patti
Roberts, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Health Services.

Statewide, 619 medical-marijuana identification cards have been
issued in 11 counties. Four more counties are joining the program
this month, she said.

One of the newcomers is San Francisco, which had been issuing its
own cards for about five years but now will follow the state program.

Because there is no deadline for counties to join the program, those
who choose not to participate are not running afoul of the law, Roberts said.

In San Mateo County, residents must apply for the cards in person at
Public Vital Statistics, 225 37th Ave., San Mateo. Business hours
are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except Thursday.