California: Fewer Than Expected Apply For Medical Marijuana Cards In San Bernardino County

By IMRAN GHORI, The Press-Enterprise

San Bernardino County's public health department has taken applications for medical marijuana identification cards from 128 people and provided 76 cards since it began the program in mid-August, a county official said.

The rest of the applications are still being processed by the state, which keeps a database of applicants and actually issues the cards, said Jim Lindley, county public health director

Only one application was rejected -- because the doctor's recommendation could not be verified, he said.

The county began accepting applications from medical marijuana patients Aug. 14 after county officials lost a three-year legal battle against the state program.

In May, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the county's challenge to the state's program, which it claimed conflicted with federal drug laws.

The county initially had estimated that 250 to 300 residents would seek cards, Lindley said.

The department saw a slowdown in applications after the first few weeks, he said.

Lindley said officials tried to make the process as smooth as possible, requiring applicants to make appointments by phone, advising them of the information they would need and then having them come in for quick interviews to review the applications.

"The process looks like it's working well," he said.

Scott Bledsoe, a Crestline resident who had sued the county over its refusal to provide the cards, said he believes officials have been doing a good job in taking applications.

Bledsoe had yet to get his card last week but expected it soon.

He speculated that the small number of applicants may be the result of a lack of awareness among some patients.

Lanny Swerdlow, a registered nurse at the THCF Medical Clinic and Patient Center in Riverside, said some patients may be holding off because of the cost of the cards.

The county is charging patients $166 to cover program costs. Medi-Cal patients pay $83.

Swerdlow said he has been telling patients who grow their own marijuana to get a card.

Valerie Becker, a Fontana resident who says she takes medical marijuana for an anxiety disorder and multiple sclerosis, was among those who have received a card. She said hers arrived about a week after she applied.

"It really gives me peace of mind," she said. "I feel legal, so I feel more comfortable."

Reach Imran Ghori at 951-368-9558 or ighori@PE.com


Source: http://www.pe.com/localnews/politics/stories/PE_News_Local_S_pot12.4158f...