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RESPONSIBILITY STARTS
WITH KNOWING CANNABIS LAWS IN COLORADO

There are several cannabis laws and regulations in Colorado you need to know to safely, legally, and responsibly use cannabis, also known as marijuana:

If you're under 21, it's illegal.

In order to buy, have, or use retail cannabis in Colorado, you must have a valid ID proving you’re 21 or older. It’s a felony to give or share cannabis with someone younger than 21 years old. This includes family members and friends.

Cannabis use by non-U.S. citizens is a felony.

Although cannabis is legal in Colorado, if you’re not a U.S. citizen, you can get in serious trouble with the federal government. Permanent legal residents and those with immigrant status should know how the law affects them.

It's illegal to use cannabis in public in Colorado.

Using cannabis in any form (smoking, eating, or vaping) is not allowed in public places. That includes:

  • Ski resorts
  • Sporting and music venues
  • State and national parks
  • Campsites
  • Playgrounds
  • Sidewalks and roads
  • Dispensaries
  • Bars, restaurants, and outdoor or rooftop cafes.

Keep in mind that property owners, landlords, and rental companies can ban people from using or having cannabis on their premises. Make sure you check the rules before you use cannabis/marijuana.

Federal land is off-limits.

Cannabis is legal in Colorado, but it is not legal federally. That means if you’re on federal lands, such as a national park or a national forest in Colorado, you cannot use cannabis or have it in your possession.

Cannabis cannot leave the state.

According to cannabis laws in Colorado, it’s illegal to take or mail cannabis out of state. Carrying cannabis is also banned at all Colorado airports, so leave your cannabis at home when packing for the airport and leaving the state. And if you’re visiting, make sure you have properly thrown away any cannabis before you arrive at the airport. There are three (3) options for disposing of cannabis:

  • Option 1: Use a cannabis Amnesty Box
  • Option 2: Carefully and Safely Discard The Cannabis Yourself
  • Option 3: Return It to the Dispensary

To learn more about any of these disposal options, please visit the Official Site of Colorado Tourism.

Driving high can lead to a DUI.

This is one of the most important cannabis driving laws in Colorado: never drive high. Even 10 mg of THC is likely to impair your ability to drive or bike safely.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and could lead to a DUI charge. Under Colorado cannabis laws, you cannot drive if you have five nanograms of THC or more in your system.

If you have smoked up to 35 mg of THC, wait six hours before driving or biking. If you have smoked more than that, you should wait even longer.

If you have eaten or drunk a product with up to 18 mg of THC, wait eight hours. If you have taken more than 18 mg, you should wait even longer.

Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation to learn more about the dangers of driving high.

1 ounce is the limit when purchasing.

According to cannabis laws in Colorado, adults over the age of 21 can purchase and have up to one (1) ounce of cannabis flower on them at a time. Adults over the age of 21 can have up to 2 ounces at a time; exceeding the limit can result in legal charges and fines.

When it comes to other retail cannabis products, adults 21 and older can purchase up to eight (8) grams of cannabis concentrate, up to 800 milligrams of THC in edibles, or up to 8,000 milligrams of vaping products in a single transaction.

Cannabis must be kept sealed in your car.

If you have cannabis in your car, make sure it’s sealed and unused. Similar to laws that ban open containers of alcohol in cars, it is illegal to open and use any cannabis in a vehicle. That goes for both the passengers and the driver.

Where can you legally buy cannabis in Colorado?

Licensed retail locations are the only legal place to buy cannabis in Colorado. It is illegal for anyone to sell cannabis without both a state and local cannabis business license. It is also illegal to buy cannabis from anyone who doesn’t have a license to sell it. Here are some things to consider when buying cannabis in Colorado:

  • Legal cannabis retailers must display their license prominently. If you’re unsure, you can verify a retailer’s license on the Colorado Department of Revenue’s website.
  • Be ready to show a valid ID that proves you’re 21 or older.
  • According to the retail cannabis rules of Colorado, no one under 21 is allowed in the restricted portion of a retail store.
  • Retail cannabis products are required by the Department of Revenue to have the THC symbol on their packaging. Make sure kids know not to eat or drink anything with that symbol.
If you choose to grow, know the cannabis laws of Colorado.

Keep these rules in mind if you are thinking about growing cannabis:

  • Coloradans can grow cannabis for personal use.
  • A Colorado resident over the age of 21 can grow up to six plants, with as many as three plants flowering at one time. It’s important to remember that growing laws can vary by county and municipality. Be sure to check your local laws for specific details.
  • You must grow plants in an enclosed, locked location that cannot be viewed openly.
  • All residences are limited to a maximum of 12 plants, unless you are a registered medical cannabis caregiver – in those cases, the limit could be much higher.
  • Any cannabis grown by an individual for recreational use may not be sold.
Only medical patients can buy medical cannabis.

Patients with qualifying debilitating medical conditions can receive a medical cannabis card for legal access to medical cannabis. Cards are available to Colorado residents and are only valid in Colorado. See Colorado medical cannabis license information.