How to Get a Colorado Medical Marijuana Card
STEP 1
See your healthcare provider. In order to qualify for a medical marijuana card in the state of Colorado, you must have one of the following conditions and meet the requirements below:
STEP 2
Complete your application. Online applications. The online application processing fee is $29.50, pay by credit or debit card. It is non-refundable and is required each time you submit an application. Applications that have been submitted online with all the correct information are approved in 1-3 business days. -OR- Mail applications. Paper mail-in applications are reserved for applicants who do not have access to any internet resources. The mail-in application processing fee is $29.50, pay by check or money order made out to CDPHE. Applications submitted through the mail will take approximately 6-8 weeks to process.
STEP 3
Once approved. If you’ve submitted an application online and have been approved, you will get an email notification from the Colorado Registry. Access your online registry account. You may print out a PDF version of your medical card or save a digital PDF version to your smart device. If you submit an application through the mail, the Colorado Registry will mail you a copy of your medical marijuana card. Once you have your medical card you are then eligible to shop!
Debilitating medical conditions are:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV or AIDS
- Cachexia
- Persistent muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Severe nausea
- Severe pain
-OR-
Disabling medical conditions that are:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- An Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Any condition for which a physician would prescribe an opioid
Residency Requirements:
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
Why Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
Medical marijuana cards allow a few advantages – the biggest being that you are exempt from paying local excise (15%) and retail (10%) taxes on your purchases. The second advantage is the higher quality that generally comes with medical cannabis products.
The third advantage is that you can apply for increased exemptions on your medical card including exemptions from Sales Limits and Possession Limits. The doctor may increase your limits of how much cannabis you can purchase or hold at any given time depending on the severity of your condition and the amount of product you generally require to treat your condition.
