No, the new law does effect both medicinal cannabis and patients. Under the new law, new protocol and stricter adherence to it will be implemented. It will become very difficult to obtain a Dr's rec. From what I here, you will require regular visits to a general physician who either writes you a "script", or feels that other alternatives should be explored. You will then take that script to a second Dr, one who already issues the rec's. This takes time and money. Also, without testing, documentation, and proof of "ailment", the vast majority of those holding recs will not be able to "renew" after 64 is initiated in '18.
On top of that, medicinal cannabis is going to be subject to the same regulations that will result in price increases, and is going to be taxed as well. It won't be taxed as high as recreational, but it is going to be taxed. It's all in writing.
Anyone of age that wanted to use medicinally, or recreationally, could get an annual rec for as little as $20. That rec allowed either 12 plants in veg, or 6 in bloom, and up to 8 ounces on their person.
I was shocked when I first went to get a rec. I brought X-rays, MRI's, Dr's diagnosis/prognosis, Orthopedic surgeon's d/p, and proof of an epidural (minor surgical procedure at the hospital). When I walked into the office it was just a bunch of "kids" bragging about how much they could smoke in a week.
It was essentially "Legal" before, but with the taxes at both ends (cultivation and sale), the cost of implementing state regulation, and 6 months in prison for having more than an ounce, CA has taken a huge step backward. The only entities to benefit from 64 is the State.
