Medical pot applications pouring in to health department

State says more than 13,000 people are registered users.


By PETER ROPER
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

Published: November 14, 2009 01:03 am



Applications to use medical marijuana have been pouring in to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the number of people with state registry cards probably tops 13,000.

"We've had one day where we received over 1,000 pieces of mail," department spokesman Mark Smalley said Friday. "That doesn't mean every piece was an application, but most of them were."

As Pueblo County and city officials wrestle with the questions of whether to allow, or how to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries, there isn't any question about the state process for how a person obtains a permit, or registry card, to use medical marijuana.

First, they need a doctor's certification that they would benefit from using marijuana for a defined list of medical conditions. That list includes cancer, glaucoma, HIV, severe pain, severe nausea and persistent muscle spasms such as those associated with multiple sclerosis. The doctor would certify that condition on a health department form that can be obtained online. The person then would fill out a state registry application, also available online, and include a clear photocopy of their Colorado driver's license or identification card. The application, plus a $90 nonrefundable fee, must be notarized and all the documents either mailed or hand-delivered to the state health department.

"We recommend sending the application by registered or certified mail, so the applicant has proof the application was sent and received," Smalley said.

If the application is complete, and a surprising number are not, according to Smalley, then the person's information is entered into the state marijuana registry and a card issued to the applicant. The card is good for one year and must be renewed annually.

Ron Hyman said the applicant may, but isn't required, identify a "caregiver" who will be growing or supplying the marijuana to them. If a caregiver is named, a photocopy of their Colorado identification also must be sent. Some applicants never identify a caregiver in obtaining their registry cards. "But some caregivers may want to have their information registered with us as proof they are taking part in the registry program," Hyman said.

That's the process.

As of July 31, state officials had registered a little more than 11,000 medical marijuana users. Smalley said that number is probably several thousand higher now.

People who are caught providing false information in their application cannot reapply for a year.

Amendment 20, which Colorado voters approved in 2000, allows a person to have up to two ounces of marijuana for authorized medical purposes and to grow up to six plants for that purpose.

Using medical marijuana in public is banned by state regulation and federal law does not authorize either growing or using marijuana, although U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has said the federal government will not prosecute medical marijuana cases in states where it is allowed.

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