You might suffer from one of the dozens of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana in Colorado, and you want to try it. Medical marijuana is a safe and effective alternative to drugs like Adderall and Vicodin for treating pain, suppressing appetite, and helping with sleep.
Unfortunately, even buying the stuff presents some problems. First, you need a state-issued card. Second, you need to prove you have a qualifying condition. Get all the details on applying for medical marijuana cards online in our step-by-step guide.
APPLY FOR THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD BY MAIL
To get a medical marijuana card via mail in Colorado, you must complete the following steps:
FILL APPLICATION
First, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website, where you can download the application form. Complete the form with your personal information, including your full name and address, date of birth, and social security number. You will also need to provide a copy of your photo ID or passport and proof of Colorado residencies, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.
CAREGIVER APPLICATION
Colorado law requires that all caregivers be 21 years or older and have no felony convictions within the last ten years. You also need to prove that you live with the patient or client or that they live with you, which means showing an address on both applications.
You’ll also need to provide proof of identification when applying for your card as a caregiver; this includes government-issued ID like an ID card or driver’s license that shows your name and photo and proof of residencies like a utility bill or rental agreement.
PHYSICIAN CERTIFICATION
You can do this by searching for doctors online. Once you have found one, schedule an appointment with them to discuss your condition and determine if they can provide you with the right type of care.
Once they have completed their evaluation, they will send the results and an application form directly to the state’s health department. Once your application has been approved, it will be sent back to the doctor, who will issue an official document stating that they agree to issue it on their behalf.
PAYMENT
Submit your application to the state by mail and email with a $25 check or money order made payable to the “Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment” or pay online using a credit card or debit card.
MAIL THE APPLICATION
Send all of this information via certified mail—you’ll get the receipt from the post office back as proof that they got it. Once your application has been received and processed by CDPHE staff members (which can take up to 6-8 weeks), you’ll receive an email notification letting you know they’re sending or rejecting your application.
APPLY THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD ONLINE
Here are the steps to get a Medical Marijuana card through an online application
CREATE YOUR ONLINE PROFILE IN THE PATIENT REGISTRY
The first step to getting a medical marijuana card in Colorado is to create an account on the Patient Registry. Once logged into the Patient Registry, click “Register as a New Applicant” and fill out all required fields. Next, verify your information by entering your email address and clicking “Verify Your Account.”
HEALTH CARE CERTIFICATION
To get your card through a healthcare provider, you’ll need to visit one of their offices and fill out an application form. They’ll ask you some basic questions about your medical history and state the illnesses; they’ll certify you as eligible for marijuana treatment. After the doctor signs off your application form, they’ll send it to the state department of public health and environment (CDPHE). Upload your certificate to your account.
PAYMENT AND APPROVAL
You need to pay the application fee through either debit, credit, or other acceptable payment through the site. The fee is $25. You will receive your application approval or denial within 1-3 business days.
PRINT OUT THE TEMPORARY REGISTRY IDENTIFICATION CARD
After you’ve completed your online application and received confirmation, you’ll have to print out the Temporary Registry Identification Card that comes with it. It will be your legal card until your permanent card arrives.
If you are suffering from a debilitating illness, there is a chance that cannabis will improve your quality of life. Although people in need of medical relief should not have to jump through hoops, getting medical marijuana is not complicated. It primarily involves filling out an application with your physician, which can be submitted electronically or via fax and can then be approved or denied.
