Q&A ON MARIJUANA REGISTRY

The questions most frequently asked the state health department about
its medical marijuana registry:

Q. Can you refer me to a doctor?

A. No. It is the responsibility of the patient to work with a doctor
with whom he has a bona fide relationship.

Q. Where do I get seeds or plants to grow medical marijuana?

A. The medical marijuana registry is not authorized to provide
information on acquisition of marijuana.

Q. I do not have the money for the $140 application fee. Is it a
one-time payment? Can it be waived? Can I make installment payments?
Will my insurance pay?

A. The answer to all these questions is "No."

Full payment must be made at the time of application. The fee must be
paid with the renewal application each year. The fee cannot be waived
but the registry can suggest organizations that might be willing to help
with the fee. The registry cannot accept installment payments. Insurance
companies are not required to pay.

Q. Why can't I go to a pharmacy to fill a prescription for medical
marijuana?

A. Pharmacies can only dispense medications that are prescribed.
Marijuana is classified by the federal government as a Schedule I drug,
which means it cannot be prescribed by any health care professional.
Amendment 20 allows patients to grow medical marijuana for their private
use.

Q. Can I use my medical marijuana registry identification card in
another state?

A. No. At this time there is no agreement with other states to recognize
the Colorado law.

Q. Is my confidentiality protected?

A. Yes. Your confidentiality is protected by law and by the procedures
used by the registry.

No lists of patients or doctors are given out to anyone. Law enforcement
may only verify the information on a specific identification card.

The registry database resides on a stand-alone computer and is password
protected. The office and all files are locked at night and when the
registry administrator is out of the office.