Colorado MMJ Laws ~ Frequently Asked Questons

The information here is a snippet from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and other sources. Refer to their website for current or recent changes. This information is presented for educational purposes only. Contact your Doctor and/or Lawyer for appropriate advice.

Can the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry refer me to a doctor?
No. It is the responsibility of the patient to work with a physician with whom he/she has a bona fide doctor-patient relationship.
Where do I get the seeds or plants to start growing medical marijuana?
Are there clubs or organizations that help patients to grow or acquire their medicine?
The Medical Marijuana Registry is not affiliated with any privately operated club, organization or dispensary and is not authorized to
provide information on acquisition of marijuana.
Where can I legally use my medicine?
No patient shall: Engage in the medical use of marijuana in a way that endangers the health or well-being of any person; or engage in the medical use of marijuana in plain view of, or in a place open to, the general public. Law enforcement has informed the Medical Marijuana Registry of the following: Any place outside of the patient’s home is considered public. “In plain view” also includes the patient’s yard or garage if that patient can be seen using their medicine by neighbors.
Why can’t I go to a pharmacy to fill a prescription for medical marijuana?
Pharmacies can only dispense medications that are prescribed. Marijuana is currently classified by the federal government laws as a Schedule 1 drug, which means it cannot be prescribed by any health care professional. Amendment 20 allows doctors to recommend marijuana, and it allows patients to grow their own medical marijuana for their private use.
How is my confidentiality protected?
Your confidentiality is protected by law and by the procedures used by the registry. No lists of doctors, patients of caregivers are
given out to anyone. Local law enforcement may only contact the registry to verify the information on a specific identification card.
The registry database resides on a stand-alone computer and is password protected and encrypted. The office and all of its contents
are locked at night when the registry administrator is out of the office.

How does my card protect me?
A patient may engage in the medical use of marijuana, with no more marijuana than is medically necessary to address a debilitating
medical condition. A patient's medical use of marijuana, within the following limits, is lawful: No more than two ounces of a usable form of marijuana; and no more than six marijuana plants, with three or fewer being mature, flowering plants that are producing a usable form of marijuana.
I do not have the money for the fee. Is it a one-time payment? Can it be waived? Can I make installment payments? Will my
insurance pay?
Full payment must be made at the time of application. The fee must be paid with the renewal application each year. The fee cannot be waived, and the registry cannot accept installment payments. Insurance companies are not required to pay the fee.
What if I move or my caregiver moves? What if I want to change my caregiver?
When there has been a change in the name, address, physician, or primary caregiver of a patient who has qualified for a registry
identification card, that patient must notify the registry of any such change within ten days. A patient who has not designated a primary caregiver at the time of application may do so in writing at any time during the effective period of the registry identification card, and the primary caregiver may act in this capacity after such designation.
Can I use my Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry identification card in another state? At this time, there are no “reciprocity” agreements with other states to recognize the Colorado law except in Montana and Rhode Island.
I am a registered patient in another state, do I have any legal right to use my medicine while visiting Colorado?
No, Colorado’s law does not recognize patients registered in other states.
Does the Medical Marijuana Registry give free legal advice?
No, patients are on their own to seek out legal advice or hire an attorney.
Where do Colorado MMJ dispensaries get their MMJ?
The rules and regulations established require that all pot be grown locally by patients, care-givers and growers.
What is the Drug Enforcement Agency drug
schedule?
This is a method of listing drugs by their potential
uses and dangers. Drugs are rated from Schedule 1
(most dangerous and without medical use, e.g. heroin)
to 5 (least dangerous). Only drugs on Schedules 2-5
can be prescribed to patients. Cannabis is a schedule 1 drug in most states, and therefore cannot be prescribed. Ask yourelf why marinol is a schedule 3 drug and cannabis is not?

What are the approved Colorado Medical MMJ Debilitating Medical Conditions?
The current list of ailments, according to the physician referral form: