California was the first state in the U.S. to legalize medical marijuana in 1996 with the passage of Proposition 215. This law allows patients with qualifying medical conditions to obtain and use marijuana for therapeutic purposes. To access medical marijuana, patients must obtain a recommendation from a licensed physician and can then apply for a medical marijuana identification card. The state regulates the cultivation, distribution, and sale of medical marijuana through the California Department of Public Health. Patients can purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries, which offer various products, including flowers, edibles, and oils, tailored to meet individual health needs.