In Long Beach, a medical marijuana card is a state-issued identification card that allows individuals to legally purchase and use cannabis for medicinal purposes. To obtain a medical marijuana card, a patient must have a qualifying medical condition such as chronic pain, cancer, or epilepsy, among others. The card provides access to dispensaries and protects patients from legal repercussions for using marijuana as medicine. Patients must be evaluated by a licensed physician who can recommend cannabis as a treatment option. Once approved, patients can apply for the card through the California Department of Public Health and receive it by mail.