What Qualifies for a Medical Cannabis Card in Colorado?

Have a medical condition that affects your everyday life? You may be considering whether medical marijuana could be helpful as a supplemental treatment.

Here’s everything you need to know about the application process and if you have a condition that qualifies you for a medical card.

Who can apply for medical marijuana in Colorado?

First things first, what are the requirements to become a medical cannabis patient, anyway? If you’re considering applying for a card in Colorado, you’ll need to meet these criteria:

• Colorado residency 
• Diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions (below)
• Have a written recommendation from a licensed physician confirming your condition. It should state that you may benefit from medical cannabis. Medical records may be required.
• If under 21, have two certifications from two separate providers. Medical records are also required and must be updated annually.

What are the qualifying conditions?

In most states where medical marijuana is legal, patients must be diagnosed with certain medical conditions. Colorado’s list of qualifying conditions includes the following:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• HIV or AIDS
• Cachexia
• Persistent muscle spasms
• Seizures
• Severe nausea
• Severe pain
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Any condition for which a physician might prescribe an opioid

What are the benefits of medical cannabis in Colorado?

Although both recreational and medical marijuana are legal in Colorado, there are benefits to getting a medical card.

Tax breaks and discounts

With medical marijuana, you don’t have to pay the 15% sales tax or 15% excise tax that you would for recreational purchases. Medical marijuana is only subject to a 2.9% state sales tax. 

As a patient, you also have access to certain deals, such as veteran and hardship discounts.

Age requirements

Recreational products are available to anyone 21 and older. 

Medical cannabis is available to Colorado residents 18 and older. Patients under 21 must provide  medical records and certifications from two providers.

Possession limits

As a medical cannabis patient, you can legally buy two ounces of marijuana per day. Adult use consumers are permitted one ounce daily. 

Medical patients can grow up to 12 plants, compared to six plants for recreational use. You can also receive permission to grow, buy, and carry additional amounts.

Product availability

By Colorado law, medical cannabis patients have access to a percentage of all products. Therefore, some items are set aside strictly for medical use. 

Also, certain types of products are only available with a medical card. As a recreational consumer, there’s no guarantee of product availability.

How much does it cost to get a medical card?

There are costs associated with getting approved for medical cannabis through Relaxed Clarity. Discounts are available for veterans, healthcare professionals, and industry workers (contact us to learn more). 

Below are some basic pricing details. View our full menu of pricing and services.

• New patient: $120
• Returning patient: $100
• New minor patient (two visits required): $220
• Returning minor patient (two visits required): $200
• New adult minor patient*: $220
• New adult minor patient follow up (valid for 6 months): $100
• Returning adult minor patient (valid for 1 year): $200

*Adult minors are over 18, but under 21 years old. By Colorado law, adult minors must be seen by two providers, which includes a 6-month follow-up visit.

Ready to get started?

If you’re interested in applying for a medical marijuana card in Colorado, we’re here to support you. When you’re ready, find a clinic near you and contact us to book an appointment. We’ll take you through the process, step by step!