Yeah, it sucks that the logic fails the ones that could benefit the most. Like yourself, we have others that ask "how do I know it will work, without trying it first." You can't even legally try it until you go through the hassle of seeing a doctor and then sending money off to the state. I think CA is a little easier than CO, but that doesn't help your situation.

One point to note, is that if you can establish residency and provide the needed identification [from below], as soon as you get your papers and payment mailed to the state you are eligible to purchase for 35 days while waiting for your red card.

Required ID:
PROOF OF IDENTITY AND COLORADO RESIDENCY
One (1) of the following:
 Colorado Driver’s License
 Colorado ID
 Temporary Colorado Driver’s License
 Temporary Colorado ID

Or two (2) of the following:

Minimum of one (1) from the group of IDs below -
 Out of State Driver’s License
 Out of State ID
 Passport, Military ID (copy of front and back), Tribal ID

And a minimum of one (1) from the group below -

 Proof of Colorado Employment (paycheck stub/W-2)
 Copy of a utility, medical, or cable bill. (The mailing address on all bills must match address on application. For utility and cable bills, the service address must be in Colorado.)
i. All documents must be currently valid when received at the Registry. Damaged, expired, or tampered IDs are not valid.
ii. Proof of residency materials must be current, within 60 days of the date the Registry receives your paperwork.
iii. At least one (1) of these documents must show the patient’s date of birth

good luck...