As a medical marijuana (MMJ) patient in Colorado, you get a card that gives you access to products that are made for only medical purposes in addition to the regular menu.

But many people don’t know that a medical marijuana card also gives you access to special pricing, which ultimately means you spend less over time.

However, getting a cannabis card means paying for the doctor’s visit and the application fee, which can deter many patients.

At CMed, our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your health in an accessible way. That’s why we want to set the record straight about what you can financially expect from your medical card.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• Your average savings
• How quickly your card will pay itself off
• And other important benefits related to being a MMJ cardholder in Colorado

Cost of a Medical Marijuana Card in Colorado

Typical costs for getting a med card include the state application fee plus a cannabis evaluation with a licensed doctor. As Dr. Eric Eisenbud, MD notes, “Some patients don’t understand that the exam fee and state application fee are separate.”

Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect:

• State application fee: $53.94 (flat fee for all Colorado residents)
• Doctor evaluation fee: Typically $75-$150 for a consultation with a cannabis doctor

The doctor evaluation fee varies depending on where you live. Urban areas like Denver may have more competitive pricing than rural regions. Some cannabis clinics (like ours!) offer first-time patient specials.

At CMed, evaluations come first before paying the state application fee. While we may not always be the cheapest option, our $80 renewal and $99 new patient specials include everything you need with no extra fees. That means you’ll get full state registration assistance, ongoing support all year, and guidance through the entire process. Plus, we’ll connect you with trusted partners for product recommendations or additional support whenever you need it

Renewal costs are also similar to the initial evaluation fee, but some providers offer discounted renewal rates for returning patients. Book an appointment to get or renew your medical card with CMed to learn more about our pricing and requirements.

The Tax Difference Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis

One of the biggest cost advantages of getting a medical marijuana card in Colorado comes down to taxes. Recreational buyers pay around 30% in state taxes, while medical patients are exempt from the excise tax and only pay the standard 2.9% sales tax.

Between lower taxes and discounted pricing, you can save an average of 10–25% on every purchase of medical cannabis. It can add up to hundreds of dollars a year.

Cannabis doctor Dr. Thomas Gerhart, MD, explains, “The largest benefit for most people is the tax reduction of medical products versus recreational. Depending on usage levels, the med card can pay for itself pretty quickly.”

For many patients, making the investment in a medical cannabis evaluation and medical card is a smart financial move.

Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis Prices for Flower, Concentrates, and Edibles

The natural next question is: “How much am I really saving per purchase?” To get a clear answer, you can take a look at the average prices for your favorite products.

For example, recreational flower in Colorado averages around $100-$120 per ounce after taxes. Meanwhile, medical dispensaries frequently offer the same quality flower for $70-$90 per ounce. That means, on average, you’re saving anywhere from $10-$50 per purchase, which is no small savings.

The same pattern holds true for concentrates; medical pricing can be $5 to $15 cheaper per gram compared to recreational shelves. Edibles like gummies and chocolates, and vape cartridges are also typically priced lower for medical patients. Some dispensaries offer medical-only product lines or bulk discounts that aren’t available to recreational customers.

All in all, getting a medical marijuana card lowers your purchase tax and gets you access to better pricing and more product options.

How Fast a Medical Marijuana Card Pays for Itself

Now you know how much the card costs and what savings you can expect from a medical marijuana card. If you’re someone who uses cannabis regularly, the savings alone offset the cost of the doctor’s visit and application fee in as little as one to two months.

For example, a patient spending $200 per month at a dispensary could save 15-20% on each purchase, allowing the card to pay for itself in just a few months.

Even lower-spending patients benefit. Someone who spends $75 per month saves about $20.33 monthly, breaking even in nine months.

Higher-volume buyers can reach the break-even point well under a year, seeing savings that cover the cost of the card in 4-6 months.

Here’s a rough estimate of how long it might take you to pay off your medical card, based on your monthly spend:

Monthly Spend	Monthly Savings w/Card	Months to “Break Even”
$75	$20.33	9
$100	$27.10	7
$125	$33.88	6
$150	$40.65	5
$175	$47.43	4
$200	$54.20	4

For an exact estimate, you can use the Colorado state med card savings calculator. 

Extra Medical Cardholder Benefits

Beyond lower taxes and discounted pricing, medical marijuana patients in Colorado enjoy even more financial benefits. As a cardholder, you have higher buying limits, allowing you to buy larger quantities at once. This often lowers the per-gram cost compared to buying recreationally.

Many cannabis clinics and dispensaries also offer promotions, loyalty programs, or bulk pricing that are only available to recreational customers. Patients can also shop higher-potency products, providing more value per dose and making each purchase go further to stretch your budget.

Who Should Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Colorado

A medical cannabis card is great for any patient who uses cannabis regularly. Whether you shop weekly or monthly at dispensaries, you can see a quick return on investment through savings with the medical card.

If you’re budget-conscious and have a qualifying condition, you’ll benefit from:

• Lower prices
• Tax breaks
• And patient-only promotions that make cannabis more affordable

New Colorado residents can also benefit from these cost savings with medical dispensaries located all over the state. Speak to our team at CMed to decide if getting a medical marijuana card is the smarter long-term choice for your budget and wellness needs.

Get your Colorado medical marijuana card with CMed

Getting your medical card with CMed is easier than you might think. Simply book an appointment, meet with one of our cannabis doctors, and complete your state application. Our team guides you every step of the way.

With three clinic locations in Colorado and a research-based approach to care, we ensure you save money and receive personalized guidance from qualified doctors.

Get your evaluation today at one of our three convenient locations in Colorado: Westminster, Denver, and Colorado Springs. Experience the benefits of informed, compassionate care with CMed.