Appeals Process

If your application for a Medical Marijuana Identification Card was denied, you may file an appeal. 

There is no cost to you for submitting an appeal.

You must complete and submit an Appeals Form (PDF) directly to the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) within 30 calendar days from the date of  your denial notice you received from your county program.

You may ask your county program for a copy of the Appeals Form (PDF) or you may download the electronic copy.

Attach a copy of your application to the Appeals Form (PDF), and mail it to:

California Department of Health Services
Office of County Health Services
Medical Marijuana Program
Attention:  Appeals
MS 5203
P.O. Box 997413
Sacramento, CA  95899-7413

Be sure to sign and date your appeals form.

By signing your appeals form, you are giving your consent to have your county program release all information they have in your application file to the CDHS.  This information will be used to evaluate your appeal.  A notice of the decision regarding your appeal will be sent to you and your county’s program.

All appeal decisions by the CDPHs Medical Marijuana Program are final.

Your application may be denied if you failed to provide all the required information, your county program determined the application information was false, or you did not meet the requirements for being a qualified patient or primary caregiver. 

For more information about denials, see Health and Safety Code Section 11362.74.