No, you don't have to wait to purchase medicine until you get the card.You have 60 days from the time your certification is signed to submit your paper work to the Dept. of Health. The key is you must mail it certified mail or take it in person to the CDPHE. You [B][]must/B]] keep the receipt you receive showing the date of submission. Staple that receipt to your copy of your application and certification and that will serve as your "temp" card until you receive the actual card. You must be able to prove you submitted the paper work in that 60 day period though, if not the paper work will not be accepted after the 60 day time frame elapses.