Medical marijuana is legal in Colorado, but the process to obtain a medical card can be confusing. In this article, we'll take a look at Colorado's Medical marijuana regulations and the legal implications for cannabis businesses. We'll also discuss the implications of the federal government's stance on marijuana and how it affects the state's medical card process. Read on to learn more about Colorado's Medical marijuana card process and the implications for cannabis businesses in the state.
Colorado is one of 33 states that has legal Medical marijuana, and the process to obtain a medical card is straightforward. To apply for a Medical marijuana card, a patient must be 18 or older and have a valid Colorado ID or driver's license. Patients must also have a written recommendation from a physician, which must be dated within the last 12 months. Once the application is complete, the patient will receive a medical card with a unique identifier.
However, in the absence of federal sanction, banks and credit card networks are reluctant to process transactions related to marijuana, making it difficult for Colorado Medical marijuana businesses to accept credit cards. As such, most businesses accept cash, checks, and debit cards.
Additionally, Colorado's Medical marijuana sales fell to their lowest point since 2016 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decrease in sales is attributed to the fact that it is more difficult to actually obtain a medical card now than what it used to be, as many doctor's offices are closed or have limited hours.
While Colorado Springs has more than 100 Medical marijuana dispensaries, the process for obtaining a medical card can be difficult for some patients. This is due to the fact that some doctors may not be willing to prescribe Medical marijuana or may be located too far away from the patient's home. As such, many patients are opting to bypass the process for a medical card and instead travel to other nearby communities where they can access Medical marijuana products.
In the immediate future, the city's 114 marijuana businesses will continue to only be able to sell to card-carrying Medical marijuana patients. This is because Colorado's Medical marijuana law only allows cardholders to purchase cannabis products from medical dispensaries.
Even though it's legal in Colorado, cannabis is still labeled a Schedule 1 drug federally. A 2000 ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals extended the Controlled Substances Act to include marijuana, even in the states where it is legal. This means that although Colorado has legal marijuana, doing so violates federal law.
Held up against nearby states like Colorado, though, where recreational programs exist, Utah's medical cannabis industry is far more restrictive. Specifically, Missouri's Medical marijuana law will soon prohibit a patient from engaging in the medical use of marijuana if he or she: (1) possesses a Medical marijuana identification card; (2) obtains Medical marijuana from an authorized dispensary; or (3) is registered with the department of health as a Medical marijuana user.
Colorado aimed to crack down on youth access to cannabis concentrates. In 2019, the state imposed new regulations that made it harder for minors or young adults obtaining Medical marijuana cards to buy cannabis products. Under the new rules, dispensaries must now obtain proof of age from customers and can no longer sell concentrates to anyone under 21.
The Colorado Department of Revenue has created a tool for marijuana businesses to apply for a license. The tool can be used for these license types: Marijuana store; Marijuana hospitality business; Marijuana hospitality and sales business; Marijuana cultivation; Marijuana product manufacturer; Marijuana testing facility; and Medical marijuana-infused products manufacturer.
To sum up, obtaining a Medical marijuana card in Colorado is a straightforward process that requires a valid Colorado ID or driver's license, a written recommendation from a physician, and proof of age. The federal government's stance on marijuana and the coronavirus pandemic have made it difficult for businesses to accept credit cards, but businesses can still accept cash, checks, and debit cards. Finally, the state has put regulations in place to prevent minors or young adults from obtaining Medical marijuana cards.
