Since the voters in Colorado passed Amendment 64, adults age 21 or older can now legally grow, purchase, and consume marijuana. The Amendment outlined a statewide drug policy for cannabis, although counties and municipalities can also implement their own marijuana laws, that may be stricter than in other areas of the state. In addition to marijuana flower, or buds, Colorado marijuana laws also allow for the use of cannabis concentrates, edibles, and topicals.
Although marijuana has been legalized in Colorado, there are still laws regarding exactly how you can grow, purchase, and consume your cannabis. Whether you are a resident of the state or just visiting, it is important to understand your legal responsibilities when using the drug, or face consequences including fines and even time in jail depending on the offense. This guide to Colorado marijuana laws is only a summary of statewide laws, and it is important to verify local laws whenever you use cannabis in Colorado.
Colorado Marijuana Laws—Who Can Use Marijuana in Colorado?
Recreational marijuana can be possessed and consumed by any adults who are age 21 years and older.
Dispensaries are regulated, and you will be required to present valid photo ID upon entry. Residents of Colorado who wish to purchase medical marijuana must complete the registration process and be diagnosed with a qualifying condition. Recreational users, however, are not required to register, and even out-of-state visitors can conveniently purchase their own marijuana, as long as they are of age.
How Much Marijuana Can I Possess in Colorado?
In June of 2016, some changes were made to recreational marijuana sales laws. Prior to these changes, out-of-state tourists were limited to purchases of only 7 grams or less. Today, tourists and residents alike can purchase up to 28 grams per transaction. The way that Amendment 64 is written, the law allows for the possession of up to 28 grams, or 1 ounce.
While the possession of 28 grams applies to flowers as well as concentrates, the purchase of concentrates is handled differently than flower. The Marijuana Enforcement Division of Colorado implemented 'Marijuana Equivalency Guidelines,' which now equate 1 ounce of flower to 8 grams of concentrates, and 800 mg of edibles. For example, if you purchase 4 grams of concentrates, you will only be able to purchase 14 grams of flower. Many dispensaries will only allow you one transaction per day, as the law is somewhat unclear when it comes to defining a 'single transaction.'
When Can I Purchase Marijuana in Colorado?
Dispensary hours vary throughout the state. Colorado marijuana laws permit cannabis stores and dispensaries to operate between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight. Cities have utilized their right to restrict these hours in some areas, however, such as Denver, which requires marijuana stores to close by 10:00 p.m. Just outside of Denver though you can purchase until midnight in Edgewater or Glendale.
Where Can I Consume Marijuana in Colorado?
While there is no shortage of locations to purchase your marijuana in Colorado, you may have a hard time finding a location to smoke, vape, or otherwise consume your cannabis. This is because Colorado marijuana laws don't allow marijuana to be consumed "openly and publicly." This means parks, sidewalks, and any public location or publicly accessible private venue is off limits and consuming cannabis in these locations could result in citations and fines.
With Denver Initiative 300, a new wave of 'bring-your-own-cannabis' lounges are beginning to operate and are becoming quite popular for residents and tourists alike. Private cannabis clubs might also be an option, particularly if you are from out-of-state, as many hotels are not cannabis friendly. There are some advantages to the private clubs, for example, some of them allow for smoking cannabis inside, while others may restrict indoor usage to vaping.
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If you are taking risks consuming in public, edibles and vape pens have become significant for users who appreciate convenience and minimal odor.
Also, it is important to mention that Federal Law still prohibits marijuana and classifies it as a Schedule 1 drug. Therefore, marijuana is not allowed on federal lands, including national parks, national forests, monuments, and federal buildings including courthouses. Ski slopes also tend to occupy federal land, so be aware of this when visiting in the winter months.
What Happens if I Drive Under the Influence of Marijuana?
Colorado marijuana laws have set a legal limit to how much active THC can be present in your blood when driving. If you test higher than 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood when operating a vehicle, you will be charged with DUI.
It is hard to gauge if you have 5 nanograms per milliliter present without a blood test and THC is metabolized differently by each of us, therefore, always err on the side of caution and never operate a vehicle when under the influence of marijuana. If you are asked to provide a blood sample to be tested and refuse, you could potentially lose your driver's license completely.
Carrying marijuana with you in your vehicle is permitted for both drivers and passengers. However, it is illegal to have any marijuana in an open container, or in a container that has broken seals. Because marijuana use is illegal in your vehicle, any evidence of consumption could lead to a traffic citation, fines, or worse. Always ensure that your cannabis is sealed and if possible, keep it out of reach by placing it in a locked glove box or trunk. This could prevent the potential for any misconception about the use of marijuana in the vehicle.
The federal government is watching Colorado quite closely when it comes to legalization, and neighboring states are watching too. Some states that border Colorado have not legalized marijuana and have increased patrols on interstates leaving Colorado. Trying to transport marijuana out of Colorado is not a good idea; it is illegal, and law enforcement is cracking down.
Can I Grow Marijuana in Colorado?
Residents in Colorado are allowed to cultivate their own marijuana plants as well. The age requirement is still 21 years old for individuals who wish to grow. An enclosed, locked space is required for the plants, and up to six plants may be grown at a time, for personal use only. At any given time, up to three plants may be in the flowering stage of growth, while the others can be in various other stages of development.
So, that about sums up the basics of Colorado marijuana laws. Laws are constantly changing at both the state and federal levels, so it is important to keep yourself informed. As legalization continues to broaden across the states, Colorado continues to be a model which others can follow.
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