Step By Step Guide to Get a Colorado Medical Cannabis Card

Everything Colorado cannabis fans need to know about getting a Medical Marijuana Card in our state.

By now, you probably know that cannabis is legal in Colorado–but rules still apply! That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide for how to get a medical marijuana card, with a specific focus on getting a med card in Colorado. Whatever your questions, we’ll try to answer them here:

What Is a Red Card in Colorado?

A “Red Card” is the Colorado-specific word for a cannabis card or a medical weed card if you’re keeping things informal. If you have a card, it means your physician has registered you with the Colorado marijuana registry, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana as long as you operate within the Colorado Red Card rules.

How is Medical Weed Different?

Since all Coloradans over 21 can buy recreational cannabis, why bother to get a Colorado mmj card? One of the benefits is that medical marijuana is cheaper to purchase since the taxes on recreational marijuana are higher than on weed designated for medical use. Medical patients are also allowed to buy larger volumes of products.

What Qualifies You For a Med Card in Colorado?

For an adult to qualify for a medical marijuana card, Colorado asks that they be over 18 years old, a state resident, and have a qualifying medical condition.

Can You Get a Medical Card Under 18?

Yes! Colorado minors can get a medical marijuana prescription if they are state residents and have a qualifying medical condition, as long as their legal guardian is also a resident of Colorado. However, please note that all medical cannabis patients under 18 must visit two physicians and submit two physician certifications and a Patient Minor Consent Form.

What are Qualifying Medical Conditions for Getting a Med Card?

These are the conditions that the Colorado government considers suitable for treatment with a cannabis prescription:

Cancer.
Glaucoma.
HIV or AIDS.
Cachexia.
Persistent muscle spasms.
Seizures.
Severe nausea.
Severe pain.

Don’t worry if you’re wondering how to get a medical marijuana card but don’t have any of these conditions. Medical marijuana card requirements also include any chronic mental or physical symptoms that harm your safety, physical, or mental health or limit your ability to live normally.

How to get a Medical Card in Colorado?

Gather your documents. This means your doctor’s recommendation, government ID, and social security number.
Fill out the online application. Unfortunately, you can’t get a medical marijuana card online, but you can apply without going into an office.

Where To Make a Doctors Appointment?

Technically, under Colorado law, any licensed physician can write you a prescription for medical marijuana. So if you’re wondering how to get a marijuana card and have a good relationship with your primary care provider, you can ask about the possibility of getting a cannabis prescription at your next check-up.

A List of Licensed Physicians & Clinics

If you’re not sure your doctor is a supporter of medical cannabis, you may want to visit someone from this list of Colorado Red Card doctors:

MMD Medical Doctors in Denver
Doctors of Natural Medicine in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Pueblo
Holos Health in Boulder
Medical Alternative Clinics in Colorado Springs and Pueblo

Where to Get a Medical Card?

Once you’ve got your doctor’s recommendation in hand, you can apply for your medical card online. You’ll then receive an email with your official med card attached.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Medical Card in Colorado?

Now you’re all registered, but how long does it take to get a medical card? Once you’ve submitted your application, the Colorado government says it should take between 1-3 business days.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost?

So how much is a medical marijuana card? Not as expensive as you might think! It costs $25 to apply for a Colorado mmj med card online, plus the cost of your doctor’s appointment, which may be covered by your insurance if you can get a prescription as part of your annual check-up.

Do I Have to Renew my Red Card?

The Colorado mmj registry requires patients to renew their cards once a year. You’ll need to get a new doctor’s recommendation and pay the application fee again through the online portal.