Moving to CO in May

[silasfarmer]

Hi there,

I'm finishing college in a non-mmj state and I'm planning on moving to CO in May for graduate school. I'm currently being treated for a few MMJ eligible conditions by my general physician and have a long documented history of migraines, anxiety, and insomnia.

I was wondering what the timeframe is like for how soon I could get a prescription and start growing/buying? I know there's a bunch of stuff I have to do (changing my driver's license, all that jazz), so what should I be thinking about/doing now to get safe access ASAP when I move?

I also know that the state has a huge backlog of paperwork for MMJ cards, but that you have some legal protection once you've got the prescription (and something about 35 days)

Thanks

[HighPopalorum]

Get a few copies of your medical records. This can take a long time if multiple hospitals and doctors have to be contacted.

[TheReleafCenter]

Hey silasfarmer. Glad to hear you're making the move.

In terms of establishing residency, there are a few options less headache inducing than a trip to the DMV. See page two of this PDF for a list of other acceptable documents: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hs/medicalmarijuana/MMR%20Change%20of%20CaregiverD.pdf

When you submit your application, the state has 35 days to notify you whether you've been approved or denied. If you don't hear from them, you're considered approved.

My interpretation of state law is once you've submitted your paperwork to the registry, you can start growing that day under an affirmative defense. Most centers won't sell to you during that period, however. If you want to shop at a center then it's imperative you send in your application via certified mail and obtain a receipt. Your 35 day clock starts there.

Feel free to post any additional questions you have. I think we've all dealt with it for so long we forget how confusing it is at first. :thumbsup::jointsmile:

[silasfarmer]

Another question: Let's say I visited CO in April before I moved out the month after - could I get the Dr recommendation process rolling before I even move officially? Also, do doctors check residency when they prescribe MMJ? Otherwise, couldn't a nonresident get a MMJ recommendation that they could use as a defense if they were caught?

[TheReleafCenter]

Another question: Let's say I visited CO in April before I moved out the month after - could I get the Dr recommendation process rolling before I even move officially? Also, do doctors check residency when they prescribe MMJ? Otherwise, couldn't a nonresident get a MMJ recommendation that they could use as a defense if they were caught?

I'm not sure any physician checks to see if you're a resident; that verification happens at the state level. You'll need one of those proof of residency documents to submit to the state, otherwise you're automatically denied.

[ThaiBuddhaMan]

I'm currently being treated for ...migraines, anxiety, and insomnia.


Just FYI - Anxiety & Insomnia aren't recognized conditions for a MMJ recommendation. Migraines maybe as it might fall under Chronic Pain.

[FunkeeNuggz]

Just FYI - Anxiety & Insomnia aren't recognized conditions for a MMJ recommendation. Migraines maybe as it might fall under Chronic Pain.

That's what I got mine for. My pain medicine gives me heller headaches and they tried to give me naproxen...I just don't understand why they give you a pill to treat a side effect caused by another pharmaceutical. Thank God for some compassion. There was no compassion back east.

[copobo]

Just FYI - Anxiety & Insomnia aren't recognized conditions for a MMJ recommendation. Migraines maybe as it might fall under Chronic Pain.

and that is such UTTER HORSESHIT.

mmj pwns anxiety and insomnia

and depression and add/adhd, autism, turrets, arthritis, stenosis, nerve pain...

[ThaiBuddhaMan]

I completely agree! I'm a nightshift medical worker. Some days it's a pain to fall asleep due to all the coffee I drank the night before to stay awake @ work. If it wasn't for MJ I probably would go a whole week on just 4 hours of sleep. I would much rather take a toke or two then swallow an Ambien. A buddy of mine down in the Springs has a unknown purple strain that drops me everytime - we've nicknamed it "Purple Ambien". That's the only Ambien I'm taking! :jointsmile: