Your comprehensive guide to marijuana legality, possession limits, and dispensaries in Colorado
Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis.
Legal since 2000 (Amendment 20)
Legal since 2012 (Amendment 64)
Up to 6 plants (3 flowering)
Licensed recreational and medical dispensaries throughout the state
Medical Marijuana: Legalized in 2000 through Amendment 20
Recreational Marijuana: Legalized in 2012 through Amendment 64, with sales beginning January 1, 2014
Qualifying conditions include:
Adults 21 and older can legally purchase and possess cannabis in Colorado, with the following limitations:
Recreational Users (21+):
Medical Marijuana Patients:
Colorado residents can grow cannabis at home with these restrictions:
Verify that you have one of the qualifying conditions recognized by Colorado (chronic pain, cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, etc.)
Schedule an appointment with a doctor who can recommend medical marijuana. This can be done online or in person.
Schedule a Telemedicine AppointmentApply online through the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry portal. You'll need:
Once approved (typically within 1-3 business days), you'll receive your card electronically. Print it or save it on your phone to visit medical dispensaries.
Colorado has hundreds of licensed dispensaries throughout the state. Here are some popular options:
Location: Multiple locations across Colorado including Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs
Contact: (303) 623-1464
Website: nativeroots.com
Location: Multiple locations across Colorado
Contact: (303) 990-9723
Website: tgscolorado.com
Location: Multiple locations in Denver, Colorado Springs, and other cities
Contact: (303) 861-0420
Website: livwell.com
CBD and hemp products are completely legal in Colorado, provided they contain less than 0.3% THC. This aligns with federal legislation under the 2018 Farm Bill.
CBD products are available without a prescription throughout Colorado. No medical card is required to purchase hemp-derived CBD products.
CBD products are widely available from various sources:
Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal in Colorado and is treated similarly to alcohol DUIs.
Colorado has established a legal limit of 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood. At or above this level, you can be charged with a DUI.
However, law enforcement officers base arrests on observed impairment, and you can be charged with a DUI even if your THC level is below the legal limit if you show signs of impairment.
First offense typically includes:
Penalties increase substantially for subsequent offenses.
You can travel with cannabis within Colorado state lines as long as you stay within legal possession limits. However, it is illegal to cross state lines with any amount of cannabis, even if you're traveling to another state where cannabis is legal. Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, making interstate transport a federal offense.
Additionally, cannabis is prohibited at Denver International Airport and all other airports in Colorado.
Yes, adults 21 and older can purchase cannabis edibles from licensed dispensaries in Colorado. Recreational edibles are limited to 100mg of THC per package, with each serving required to be 10mg or less. Medical patients can purchase edibles with higher potency.
All edibles must be clearly marked with the universal THC symbol and packaged in child-resistant containers.
Possessing more than the legal limit (2 ounces for both recreational and medical users) can result in legal penalties:
Many Colorado dispensaries offer discounts for seniors and veterans, typically ranging from 10-20% off. Some dispensaries also offer special deals on specific days for these groups. It's best to call ahead to your preferred dispensary to ask about their specific discount programs.
For veterans, some organizations also provide assistance with medical marijuana evaluations and registration fees.