In 2000, Colorado voters approved Amendment 20, also known as the Colorado Medical Use of Marijuana Initiative. Amendment 20 allows for medical marijuana use by approved patients who have obtained a doctor’s written consent. These patients with qualifying medical conditions may apply for and receive a registry identification card for legal access and possession of medical marijuana. The Medical Marijuana Registry Program was established in 2001 to issue Medical Marijuana ID Cards and maintain a state registry of medical marijuana patients and caregivers. Medical Marijuana cards are available to Colorado residents and valid only in Colorado. More information can be found at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/medicalmarijuana .The registry is managed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Under Colorado’s medical marijuana laws, a patient may possess up to 2 ounces of medical marijuana and grow up to 6 marijuana plants. Exceptions to these amounts may be made based on a doctor’s recommendation.
Qualifications for a Medical Marijuana Card in Colorado
Available only to Colorado residents with a valid social security number
- Must currently be receiving treatment for one of the following qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV or AIDS positive
- Any chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that produces one or more of the following and which, in the physician’s professional opinion, may be alleviated by the medical use of marijuana:
- Cachexia
- Persistent muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Severe nausea
- Severe pain
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- An Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Any condition for which a physician could prescribe an opioid.
- Adults – To be eligible for a medical marijuana card you must:
- Be a Colorado resident
- Be 18 or older
- Have a qualifying medical condition
- Minors – Minors are eligible for a medical marijuana card if:
- Minor and the primary parent are Colorado residents
- Minor has a qualifying medical condition
- A medical marijuana recommendation from a state licensed physician with whom you have a bona fide doctor-patient relationship must be obtained for qualification.
To apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Colorado
- Applications may be mailed in or applied for in-person.
- By Mail: Applications must be mailed in by the patient (unless a patient has a Medical Power of Attorney). No applications mailed by centers or physicians will be accepted. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recommends that applications be sent via certified mail to allow for delivery receipt.
- In Person: Applications can be submitted in person Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 6:00pm at 710 South Ash Street in Denver, Colorado.
- To renew and or apply for a new medical marijuana card the following must be completed and submitted:
- A completed Application.
- A Physician Certification completed by your doctor.
- A copy of valid Colorado driver’s license or photo ID.
- A check or money order for $15 made out to CDPHE or a Fee Waiver/Tax Exempt Status form.
- Minors: Parents of minors (children under the age of 18) must also submit a Parental Consent Form.
Medical Marijuana Registry physician qualifications and certifications
- Physician must meet the following requirements to recommend medical marijuana:
- Physician must be in good standing and licensed to practice in Colorado.
- Physician must be an MD or a DO
- Physician is registered to submit certifications online
Minor patients
- All minor patients must see two physicians and submit two physician certifications.
- If the minor patient has the qualifying condition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or an Autism Spectrum Disorder and the recommending physician is not the patient’s primary care physician, the physician should review the records of a diagnosing physician or a licensed mental health provider acting within his or her scope of practice.
For more information regarding applying for a Colorado Medical Marijuana Card please see
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/how-apply-colorado-medical-marijuana-card
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