In November 2000, Colorado voters passed Amendment 20. This amendment allows patients and caregivers in CO to legally possess, cultivate, and use medical marijuana.
The Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry Program
The CO Department of Public Health and Environment administers the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry Program. For a patient in CO to obtain a medical cannabis card they must be a CO resident. They must have one or more debilitating medical condition. And they must obtain a recommendation from a licensed doctor.
Medical marijuana patients in Colorado can legally obtain marijuana from a licensed dispensary, a registered primary caregiver, or self-grow.
What Conditions Qualify for the Medical Marijuana Program in Colorado?
Per the CO constitution, medical cannabis may be recommended to patients who have one or more of the following medical conditions:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Cachexia
- Persistent muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Severe nausea
- Severe pain
Will Conditions be Added to the List of Qualifying Conditions?
Since the Medical Marijuana Registry Program started, no new conditions have been added. There are currently no conditions pending approval.
Where are the legal cannabis dispensaries in Colorado?
As of August 1, 2016, there is 531 state licensed medical marijuana centers. The majority of licensed dispensaries are located in Denver.
What does a medical card get you at a CO dispensary?
A registered patient can obtain no more than two ounces of usable marijuana, and no more than six marijuana plants, three of which can be mature.
Where can you smoke?
Registered patients cannot smoke in the following places:
- Public transportation facilities
- Schools
- Amusement/sporting/music venues
- Parks
- Playgrounds
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Licensed dispensaries
- While operating a motorized vehicle. (you may carry medical cannabis in your car, but it may not be in an open container or cross state boundaries)
- Airports
Are patients and caregivers shielded from discrimination?
Yes, the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry protects patients and caregivers from discrimination. The patient must specify their primary caregiver on their application.
What is the future of the Medical Marijuana in Colorado?
The rules and regulations regarding the CO Medical Marijuana Registry Program are always changing.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is currently in the process of making an online application available to patients. This is expected to be available in January 2017. Also, rules regarding the prohibition on edible marijuana products in the shape of human, animal or fruit are currently being formulated and will be effective October 1, 2017.
