Differences in Medical Marijuana Card Registration by Geographic Regions in California

California was the first state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. Individuals are issued identification card for medical marijuana use for patients with chronic medical conditions if directed by a physician. Surveys have suggested there are regional differences between northern California residents, particularly the Bay Area, and southern California residents with respect to medical marijuana use and legalization. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the California Department of Public Health statistics regarding medical marijuana card registrations over various geographic areas of California. The California Department of Public Health Medical Marijuana Card Registration database reflects this with more individuals in the Bay Area registered compared to those in the ten southernmost counties of California. The reasons for this are unclear but could fall along political party lines as more registered Democrats support medical marijuana legalization compared to registered Republicans. The benefits of medical marijuana and potential adverse medical and socioeconomic effects have not been fully elucidated. Conclusion: There is a need for further study of the potential benefits for medical marijuana use and the reasons for apparent regional different beliefs of medical marijuana use and medical marijuana card registration