Medical Marijuana Colorado Frequently Asked Questions

To obtain a medical marijuana card in Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old, be an in-state resident, and be diagnosed with at least one of the qualifying medical conditions listed in the program. You must be diagnosed by a licensed physician and receive a physician certification to send in with your MMJ card application.

The qualifying medical conditions are listed below: 

• AIDS (Positive Status)
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV (Positive Status)
• Persistent Muscle Spasms
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Seizures
• Severe Nausea
• Severe Pain

If you are not yet 18, you can still be granted a medical card in Colorado if you have one of the debilitating health conditions listed. However, the minor must see two different physicians and submit two physician certifications to be approved. 

It will cost you $25 every time you apply for your medical card in Colorado.

Yes. The physician statement you receive from your doctor is only valid for one year, so you must obtain a new one each time you renew your card.

If you were issued your card for a “debilitating” medical condition, your MMJ card is valid for exactly one year after registration. 

If you were issued your card for a “disabling” medical condition, then your MMJ card is valid anywhere from 60 days to a year depending on a doctor’s recommendation.

Both! You can apply either online or in-person depending on what you have access to. If you’re not readily accessible to the Internet, you may be sent a paper application that you can fill out and mail in. However, do keep in mind that paper applications are going to take much longer to process; typically, these will take between 6-8 weeks before you hear a response.

Medical patients can purchase up to two ounces of cannabis in Colorado at once. Non-medical patients have access to just one ounce.  

In Colorado, like most states, you cannot consume cannabis of any kind in public spaces. This includes your vehicle, schools, outdoor malls, concert venues, bars, or open spaces like rooftops. However, there are a few cannabis-friendly businesses that do allow for cannabis consumption; these establishments must clearly state that they’re okay with private cannabis use. 

Medical marijuana patients can grow up to 12 plants at once, possibly more depending on what their physician allows. Non-medical patients can grow up to six plants in their home, with up to three being in their flowering stage. In both of these circumstances, the plants must be kept in an enclosed, locked area that isn’t easily accessible to those under the age of 21.