Colorado Medical Marijuana

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Colorado Medical Marijuana Card >
Colorado Medical Marijuana Patient Information >
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What is Medical Marijuana in Colorado?

In Colorado, health workers recommend medical marijuana cards for patients who need medical cannabis to treat debilitating physical or mental health conditions. The marijuana plant contains more than 100 different cannabinoids, which affect people in different ways. However, physicians have found that the major components - delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) - have significant benefits for the human body.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, medical marijuana holds many benefits for patients. Patients that use medical cannabis reported a reduction in chronic pain, dizziness, nausea, muscle spasms, depression, insomnia, and other health issues. The Department of Public Health allows Colorado residents to get medical marijuana cards by applying to its Medical Marijuana Registry.

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Colorado?

Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Colorado. In November 2000, the state's voters approved Amendment 20, codified in Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution. This law legalized medical marijuana in the state for persons suffering from cetain severe medical conditions. The Marijuana Enforcement Division under the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) is responsible for regulating the state's medical marijuana program.

Who Can Get Medical Marijuana in Colorado?

A qualified healthcare provider must recommend marijuana treatment for a person before they can legally obtain marijuana products for medical use in Colorado. According to Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution, registered medical marijuana patients and caregivers in the state can legally purchase marijuana products from licensed dispensaries. The qualifying medical conditions for cannabis treatment in Colorado include:

• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Glaucoma
• Cachexia
• Seizures
• Persistent muscle spasms
• Severe nausea
• Severe pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Medical conditions that could require opioid treatment

Can You Grow Medical Marijuana in Colorado?

Registered medical marijuana patients in Colorado can grow cannabis plants at home. Per Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution, a medical marijuana patient can cultivate up to six cannabis plants at home, with a maximum of three plants being in the flowering stage. The cultivation area must be hidden from public view and enclosed to prevent access by unauthorized persons.

Do You Need to See a Doctor to Get Medical Marijuana in Colorado?

Yes. According to Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution, before a person can use medical marijuana legally in Colorado, they must consult with a qualified healthcare provider. A healthcare provider may recommend medical marijuana for a patient who is diagnosed with a severe medical condition that qualifies them for medical marijuana treatment. The kinds of healthcare professionals that may recommend medical marijuana for patients in Colorado are:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Dentist
• Physician assistant
• Advanced nurse practitioner
• Podiatrist
• Optometrist

There is no official registry of approved healthcare practitioners that can recommend medical marijuana in Colorado. Nevertheless, for a healthcare provider to recommend medical marijuana in Colorado, they must be licensed to practice in the state. Also, they must have a valid certification from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and an online account with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Can a Minor Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Colorado?

Persons under the age of 18 can use medical marijuana in Colorado. However, in line with Article XVIII, Section 14 of the Colorado Constitution, the following conditions must be met before a minor can use medical marijuana in the state:

• Two licensed physicians must have diagnosed the minor (person under 18) with a severe medical condition
• One of the physicians that diagnosed the patient with the medical condition that qualifies them for medical marijuana treatment must explain the possible risks and benefits of medical cannabis to the patient and their parents
• The two physicians that diagnosed the minor with the medical condition must issue the patient a document stating the medical condition that was diagnosed and the physicians' conclusion that the minor could benefit from medical marijuana treatment
• Each of the minor's parents residing in Colorado must provide a written consent to the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division permitting their child to use medical marijuana
• One of the patient's parents residing in Colorado must consent (in writing) to be the minor's primary caregiver
• The parent serving as the patient's primary caregiver must apply for and obtain a medical marijuana registry identification card on behalf of their ward

How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) maintains the state's medical marijuana registry and issues registry cards to medical marijuana patients. Medical marijuana registry identification cards allow medical marijuana patients in Colorado to obtain cannabis products from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries. To apply for a medical marijuana registry card in Colorado, a person should see a qualified healthcare provider. The medical professional may issue a provider certification to the patient if they recommend medical marijuana treatment for them. First-time medical marijuana registry card applicants between the ages of 18 and 20 will need two provider certifications from different healthcare providers. After obtaining a provider certification, a marijuana registry card applicant in Colorado should create an account on the CDPHE medical marijuana portal. Afterward, they should provide the required information (such as their social security number), submit the necessary documents, and pay the marijuana registry card application processing fee. The CDPHE provides a list of the documentation required for marijuana registry card applications in the state.

Online medical marijuana card applications in Colorado are processed in 1 - 3 business days. Successful applicants will receive email notifications about their applications. They will be able to print their medical marijuana registry cards from their online accounts with the CDPHE. The CDPHE accepts mail applications from medical marijuana registry card applicants too. The processing time for medical marijuana registry card applications sent by mail is 6 - 8 weeks. Successful applicants will receive physical copies of their cards via mail. Persons applying by mail will need to mail certified copies of the required documents and proof of their application processing fee payments to the CDPHE at:

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

HSV-8630

4300 Cherry Creek Drive South

Denver, CO 80246

Does Colorado Allow Medical Marijuana Patients to Designate Caregivers?

A medical marijuana caregiver is a person who is authorized to obtain marijuana products, transport, or grow cannabis plants on behalf of a registered medical marijuana patient. Per the provisions of Senate Bill 15-014, there are four different types of medical marijuana caregivers in Colorado. These are:

• Parents of medical marijuana patients under the age of 18
• Advising caregivers: They advise medical marijuana patients on the products to use and how to dose them
• Transporting caregivers: They purchase and transport cannabis products for registered medical marijuana patients
• Cultivating caregivers: They grow marijuana plants for registered medical marijuana patients

To become a medical cannabis caregiver in Colorado, a person must be 18 years or older and be resident in Colorado. A medical marijuana patient's caregiver cannot be their physician or own any medical marijuana business in the state. Medical marijuana caregivers are required to register with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in order to obtain marijuana registry caregiver identification cards. Transporting and cultivating caregivers in Colorado are allowed to have a maximum of five medical marijuana patients under their care, and they are required to register with the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR). Medical marijuana patients are not automatically assigned caregivers during registration with the CDPHE. If a medical marijuana patient requires the services of a caregiver, they may enter the caregiver's registration identification when applying for their marijuana registry card.

What Is the Cost of a Colorado Medical Marijuana Card?

Marijuana registry card applicants in Colorado are required to pay a non-refundable $29.5 processing fee to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The CDPHE accepts credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments from online marijuana registry card applicants. Mail applicants are required to pay their processing fees with checks and money orders made out to the CDPHE. Registered medical marijuana patients in Colorado must renew their marijuana registry cards annually. Persons renewing their registry cards are required to pay a $29.5 processing fee (non-refundable). A marijuana registry card applicant may qualify for a fee waiver if their household income is 185% of the federal poverty level or less. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) does not require medical marijuana caregivers to pay fees before obtaining caregiver identification cards.

What Do You Need When Visiting a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Colorado?

Registered medical marijuana patients and caregivers in Colorado are required to show their marijuana registry cards and government-issued photo identification before obtaining cannabis products at medical marijuana dispensaries. Before dispensing cannabis products, medical marijuana dispensaries check the Colorado medical marijuana registry database to confirm the identities and registration of buyers in the state's medical marijuana program.

How to Renew Your Colorado Medical Marijuana Card

Medical marijuana physician recommendations in Colorado are valid for one year. To renew a marijuana registry card in Colorado, a registered medical marijuana patient must see a qualified healthcare provider. If a medical professional recommends medical marijuana for a patient, they will issue them a new provider certification. Afterward, the marijuana registry renewal card applicant must log in to their account on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) medical marijuana portal to complete their online application, provide the required documents, and pay the renewal processing fee.

Is it Possible to Overdose on Cannabis in Colorado?

An overdose occurs when a patient consumes large amounts of a substance - exceeding the recommended dose by far. The results of an overdose can range from mild nausea to death. Overdosing on drugs like alcohol, heroin, and other opiates can often lead to death. However, overdosing on cannabis is never fatal. Instead, patients that overdose on cannabis can go through extreme variants of the essential experience. Persons that overdose may experience high levels of paranoia, rapid heart rates, dizziness, nausea, and the inability to hold a conversation.

If I am Pregnant, Can I Use Cannabis to Relieve Nausea in Colorado?

One side effect of pregnancy is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (extreme nausea). Some studies claim that pregnant women can use marijuana to relieve hyperemesis gravidarum. However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said that cannabis use may present numerous dangers to the fetus, including:

• Prenatal brain development disruption;
• Smaller size at birth
• Higher chances of stillbirth
• Higher chance of premature birth;
• Secondhand marijuana smoke dangers;
• Attention deficit disorder and behavioral problems in childhood.

The CDC also points out that cannabis use holds some of the following dangers for pregnant women:

• Dizziness and the risk of falling;
• Impaired judgment and the risk of injury;
• Lower levels of oxygen in the body - causing breathing problems;
• Lung damage (if the patient is smoking).

The Colorado Department of Health does not allow pregnant women to use cannabis to relieve nausea. According to the Department's guidelines, hospital staff must conduct THC tests on babies after birth. If the baby tests positive for THC, the hospital must contact child protective services and report the case.