If you have been diagnosed with a debilitating medical disease by a licensed physician and your doctor has recommend the use of medical marijuana as part of your treatment, you can legally do so under Colorado state law. Since marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government, it cannot be prescribed by a doctor and therefore cannot be acquired from a pharmacy. However, those whose doctors have recommended they use medical marijuana can apply to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for a Medical Marijuana Registry identification card, which allows them to legally use marijuana in accordance with state laws.

• • NOTE: This page is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as recommendation by Mahalo for any sort of illegal or unauthorized drug use. Always ensure that you are aware of all laws and risks regarding the use of marijuana before doing so. The information provided on this page was current as of March 2009 and the laws and processes described below are subject to change.

To be eligible to apply for a Medical Marijuana Registry identification card, you must have been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition by a licensed physician. As of March of 2009, patients being treated for the following conditions were deemed to have a debilitating medical condition:

1. Cancer
2. Glaucoma
3. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

In addition, those with certain chronic/and or debilitating diseases other than those above that produce or that the treatment of which produce the following conditions may also be eligible to apply for a Medical Marijuana Registry identification card:

1. Cachexia
2. Chronic and/or debilitating pain
3. Chronic and/or severe nausea
4. Seizures
5. Repeated muscle spasms

In addition to a diagnosis of one of the debilitating medical conditions listed above, you must also have written certification from a licensed physician stating that they believe your condition may be improved or alleviated from the use of marijuana. You can obtain a sample of this certification from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website.

If the person applying for a registry identification card is under 18, a parent or guardian of the applicant must provide a written declaration that they will act as the applicant's primary caregiver and consent to the applicant's use of medical marijuana. In addition, they must include written documentation that two licensed physicians have not only recommended the use of medical marijuana for the patient, but have also fully explained the risks associated with doing so to both the patient and their legal guardian.

To apply for a Medical Marijuana Registry identification card, you will need to complete the appropriate form, which can be obtained from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. You must include the written certification described in Step 2 above and a non-refundable application fee of $90. Before submitting your application, ensure that it is complete and correct, since you cannot reapply for six months if your application is denied.

Although you can legally use marijuana for medical purposes if you have a valid Medical Marijuana Registry identification card, there are specific laws dictating how much marijuana you can possess and where you can use it. As a general rule, you cannot use marijuana in any area that is open to the general public or anywhere where your use could endanger the health of another person. Although the sale of marijuana is illegal in Colorado, marijuana dispensaries and collectives do exist, but the diligence with which law enforcement agencies choose to seek out and prosecute such organizations often varies substantially between different communities. For more information on the legalities of medical marijuana use and possession, you should contact an agency or professional familiar with Colorado's medical marijuana laws.

Before you begin using medical marijuana, be sure that you fully understand the risks, benefits and legalities of doing so. If you have any concerns or questions about medical marijuana use, seek out advice from your doctor, a legal professional or an organization familiar with Colorado state laws and statutes.

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