At Green Ribbon Clinic we want you to have as much information as possible about your pain, your treatment and the regulations surrounding the issues. Green Ribbon Clinic is not the last word on legal issues, but strive to keep current with the changing laws and make sure our business and our clients are 100% compliant. Specific legal questions regarding your individual needs should be directed to your attorney.

Q: Why is medical marijuana suddenly legal in Colorado?

A: It’s not sudden. The voters of Colorado changed the state’s constitution in 2000 with Amendment 20 to make marijuana legal for legitimate medical uses. The state began running the program in 2001. However, the recent acknowledgement by the federal government of states’ rights to regulate medical marijuana has allowed pain-relief specialists to finally move forward on the voters’ mandate without fear of prosecution or legal repercussions.

Q: Do I need to be a resident of Colorado to qualify?

A: Yes. You qualify as a resident if you’ve obtained employment in Colorado; you own or operate a business in Colorado; or you have resided in Colorado continuously for 90 days.

Q:  What conditions qualify for medical marijuana card from the state of Colorado?
A:  Our doctor can answer questions about your specific condition. However, to quote the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:
(a) "Debilitating medical condition" means: 
(I) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or treatment for such conditions;
(II) A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition, or treatment for such conditions, which produces, for a specific patient, one or more of the following, and for which, in the professional opinion of the patient's physician, such condition or conditions reasonably may be alleviated by the medical use of marijuana: cachexia; severe pain; severe nausea; seizures, including those that are characteristic of epilepsy; or persistent muscle spasms, including those that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis; or
(III) Any other medical condition, or treatment for such condition, approved by the state health agency, pursuant to its rule making authority or its approval of any petition submitted by a patient or physician as provided in this section.

More information on the procedures and regulations are available here:

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hs/medicalmarijuana/AdoptedRules0200900360.pdf

Q:  Do I need my medical records to obtain a recommendation for medical marijuana?
A:  No. The doctor understands that it can be difficult to obtain your medical records.  You will need to have a qualifying condition. The doctor is qualified to make the initial diagnosis and write the recommendation in the same visit.  Please bring your records, or prescription bottles if you have them on hand, but there is no need to go out of your way to get them.

Q: Will my insurance pay for my medical marijuana doctor visit or medical marijuana?
A:  No. Although medical marijuana is a legal medication in the state of Colorado, its cost isn’t covered by most insurance companies. Fortunately, the costs are reasonable compared to other types of treatments.

Q:  How often do you offer medical marijuana clinics?
A:  Currently we offer clinics every Monday, Tuesday. Thursday and Saturday. Please see our "Clinic Schedule" page. We plan to increase clinic hours as demand requires.

Click here to see clinic schedule.

Q:  How long will the doctor visit take?
A:  Our priority is to get clients seen in a timely manner.   The visit should last about an hour, but busier days can take longer.

Q: Do you use real doctors?

A: Absolutely. Only legitimate, certified medical doctors are allowed to write a medical marijuana prescription.

Q: Isn’t this just a scam for people to get around the marijuana laws?

A: No. Medical marijuana has a long, proven clinical history of helping ease the pain of patients suffering from everything from cancer to chronic pain. Colorado’s laws are finally helping move this scientific fact forward.

Q:  Can I shop at any medical marijuana dispensary, or only at my designated caregiver's medical marijuana dispensary?
A:  You can shop at any legal medical marijuana dispensary in Denver after you get the prescription. If you designate us as caregiver you will receive a 10% discount when you fill your prescription at Green Ribbon Clinic’s affiliated dispensary, Herban Wellness Inc.

Q:  How long does it take to get my medical marijuana card?
A:  The wait is four to six weeks, typically.  The registry is very busy, please be patient.

Q:  Will I receive a temporary medical marijuana card until I get mine?
A:  Yes. Once you get the medical marijuana prescription from the doctor you will leave with everything that you need to purchase medical marijuana.

Q: I’m told the paperwork is a bit complicated and that minor mistakes can slow things up. How do I deal with that?

A: At Green Ribbon Clinic we have everything on-site that you need for submitting your forms, including a public notary. We’ll make sure your application is processed properly.

Q: Am I committing a crime by using marijuana?

A: No, not medical marijuana. Consider opium: Opium poppies can be used to make illegal heroin or to make legal pain relievers such as morphine for the ill. Marijuana can also be abused or used in a legitimate medical setting. Green Ribbon Clinic is dedicated to the responsible use of medical marijuana to alleviate legitimate chronic pain and suffering as allowed under Colorado law.

Q:  Where can I go to read Amendment 20, or to get medical marijuana related forms?
A:  You can see it here at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’ website.

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hs/medicalmarijuana/index.html

Q: I heard the law is changing. What does that mean for my current prescription? What does it mean if I don’t yet have a prescription?

A: Lawmakers on various levels are considering a number of regulations to keep medical marijuana legal yet professional and responsible. Sign up for our email list and we’ll keep you up to date on the latest issues. Green Ribbon Clinic is dedicated to working with the local law and state of Colorado to provide top-level long-term care for our clients.

Q: Do I have to smoke it to use medical marijuana?

A: Absolutely not. Almost half of our clients use either edibles (ranging from brownies to butter to lollipops) or tinctures (medicated THC drops) to take their medicine. Many find it is easier to regulate their doses in that manner. Rubs and sprays are also available; ask your provider for details.

Q: What happens if I’m pulled over by the police while driving home from the clinic with my prescription in the car?

A:  There is nothing to worry about in this situation.  If the officer asks, then inform him that you are a patient of the medical marijuana registry, and tell him about any medication that you have on hand.  He may inspect the medicine, or verify your registry information, but that is it.  You are not a criminal for being a medical marijuana patient.

Q: I’m going out of town next month. Can I legally take my prescription with me to states or countries that don’t have Colorado’s laws and protections?

A: No. Colorado is on the cutting edge of medical marijuana use and most other states don’t acknowledge that right. According to Sensible Colorado, a medical marijuana advocacy group, only Montana and Rhode Island recognize Colorado licenses. It’s strongly advised that clients use extreme caution outside of Colorado.

Q: Can I give myself a dosage of medical marijuana at your clinic?

A: No. Dosing on-site is one of the volatile issues in the current debate over regulation. For the benefit of all our clients Green Ribbon Clinic errs on the side of caution.

Q: How do you protect my privacy? I need the pain relief but I’d rather not have people know that I use it.

A: At Green Ribbon Clinic we keep all patient records completely confidential under guidelines set up under the national HIPAA Privacy Rule. Your records are safe.

Q: At my job they do random drug tests. If I fail a test because of my prescription can I be fired or disciplined?

A: According to Sensible Colorado there are no specific provisions in current law to avoid discrimination against legal medical marijuana users. Such provisions could turn up in future legislation and there is a possibility that patients could be protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act. You need to discuss your specific job with your employer, lawyer or both.

Q: I read that I can grow my own marijuana to fill my own prescription. Is that true?

A: Yes. Patients with a medical marijuana card are allowed two grow six plants of their own and possess up to two ounces of dry medication in your possession. Green Ribbon Clinic will offer classes soon to teach patients how to grow for their own medical needs.

Q: Am I supplying money to the Mexican drug wars by buying medical marijuana?

A: No. Supplies by Herban Wellness, the dispensary used by Green Ribbon Clinic, are grown and baked by local companies legally working within Colorado’s guidelines. Green Ribbon Clinic cannot vouch for other suppliers, but use of marijuana grown outside of Colorado is a violation of state and federal law.

Q: What’s the advantage of using your doctor over mine?

A: Our doctor is highly trained in the use of medical marijuana, but you can also get a prescription from your own private physician. Many patients prefer to keep this part of their treatment between themselves and their clinic, however.

Q:  Is there a person at the state marijuana registry that can answer questions?
A:  Yes.  You can send an email, and they will respond fairly quickly.

Q:  What if I have more questions for Green Ribbon Clinic?
A:  Please send us an email or call, we respond to all calls and emails promptly.

720-296-8035

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