How To Get Medical Marijuana Card

How do I get a medical marijuana prescription in Colorado? What are the Colorado medical marijuana card requirements? How do I find medical marijuana doctors in Colorado? These are some very common questions that medical marijuana patients often ask. Medical marijuana is a relatively new treatment so it may not always be obvious how to get a medical marijuana card in Colorado.

The goal of the Colorado medical marijuana doctor directory is to help you in obtaining a medical marijuana card in Colorado. We will list medical marijuana friendly doctors in Colorado and medical marijuana clinics that examine new patients.  Only a certified doctor can write a medical marijuana recommendation in Colorado so this is where the process to get a medical marijuana card in Colorado must start. There will also be resources and information related to Colorado medical marijuana card laws and the best way to renew a medical marijuana card.

To start learning about how to get a medical marijuana card in Colorado browse this page and use the links on the left. These will lead you to Colorado medical marijuana doctors and clinics and the information you will need to get a medical marijuana card in Colorado.

Since this is a community based website, we welcome all constructive and helpful additions. Share your knowledge and experience so that others may be helped.

 

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Prescription in Colorado

The most common medical marijuana related questions that new patients have is "how to get a medical marijuana prescription in Colorado?" The Colorado medical marijuana laws are complex and confusing with new regulations being added each year. It's not always clear how to get a medical marijuana card and many don't know where to start.

First of all, you can't get a medical marijuana prescription. Yes, that's right, you cannot get a medical marijuana prescription in Colorado, or any other state. Marijuana is federally classified as a "Schedule 1" drug. The Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified marijuana as Schedule 1. Basically this means that no doctor can write a prescription for medical marijuana in the United States. If I can't get a medical marijuana prescription in Colorado then how do I get a medical marijuana ID card?

The passage of Amendment 20 of the Colorado state constitution did not make medical marijuana legal in Colorado. In fact, on the medical marijuana registry application form there is a section called "Physician Certification" that clearly states "This does not constitute a prescription for marijuana." What Colorado Amendment 20 did, was pave the way for Colorado Doctors to make a medical marijuana recommendation, or medical marijuana referral.

The logical first step is to have a medical marijuana doctor evaluation by a medical marijuana friendly doctor. Most certified Colorado doctors can make a medical marijuana recommendation but many do not know the process, or are not willing to do so. Medical marijuana is still controversial so many doctors avoid it for fear of losing their medical license. Some doctors are restricted by federal regulations if they work in a VA clinic or hospital and many doctors are afraid to get involved with medical marijuana. You will need to find medical marijuana friendly doctor or you will just be wasting lots of money on doctors appointments. The laws regulating which doctors can write a medical marijuana recommendation are constantly changing so it's not always easy to find a medical marijuana friendly doctor.

While we are discussing the laws related to getting a medical marijuana doctor recommendation it important to understand some of the common symptoms that medical marijuana is commonly used to treat. Here is a short list of diagnosis listed on the medical marijuana registry application that qualify for a medical marijuana recommendation:

Cancer
Glaucoma
HIV or AIDS
Chronic debilitating disease
Cachexia
Severe pain
Severe nausea
Seizures
Fibromyalgia
Persistant muscle spasms
Multiple sclerosis

This list of conditions in which medical marijuana can help is nowhere near complete and the specifics of your case are between you and your physician. Once again I stress the need to find a medical marijuana friendly doctor or you may find yourself back in the endless cycle of prescription painkillers and the problems these bring.

To review, you cannot get a medical marijuana prescription in Colorado. Marijuana is still illegal in all states since the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. You can get a medical marijuana recommendation, or medical marijuana referral in Colorado. Not all doctors are willing or able to make a marijuana recommendation. Not all medical conditions and symptoms qualify for medical marijuana. The absolute best way to get a medical marijuana card is to first find a medical marijuana friendly doctor and avoid those who just want to push narcotics or whatever the big pharmecuetical companies are marketing at the time on you.
 

Medical Marijuana Doctor license suspension reversed

A Colorado doctor and former member of the Colorado Department of Health Medical Marijuana Advisory committee had his license suspension reversed according to the Denver Post.
Doctor Paul Bregman was one of the first Colorado doctors to have his license suspended making him unable to make medical marijuana recommendations.
 

Colorado Medical Marijuana ID Card Registry Application Instructions

The following is a brief overview of the Colorado Medical Marijuana ID Card Registry Application instructions. Keep in mind, that the $90.00 application fee is non-refundable and it's common for applications to be rejected due to mistakes in the application packet. It is highly advisable to have a professional medical marijuana specialist assist you with your Colorado Medical Marijuana ID card application.

 

Colorado medical marijuana Doctors may see changes

Colorado medical marijuana friendly doctors might see further restrictions in the future. The Colorado Board of Health and lawmakers continue to look at changes aimed at limiting which doctors can legally make a medical marijuana recommendation in Colorado.