As far as Colorado Marijuana Laws go, both medical and recreational marijuana are legal in the state of Colorado. However, marijuana laws can vary by city and county, so it’s important to check local regulations. Here is a broad summary of Colorado’s marijuana laws as of that date:
Recreational Marijuana
Recreational marijuana use is legal in Colorado under the state’s Amendment 64, which was passed in 2012. This allows adults 21 years of age or older to:
- Purchase up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of retail marijuana at a time.
- Possess up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana.
- Give as a gift up to 1 ounce of marijuana to other adults aged 21 and older.
- Cultivate up to 6 plants per person in their residence, with no more than three in the mature flowering stage at any time. No more than 12 total plants are allowed per residence, regardless of the number of adults living there. The plants must be kept in a locked, enclosed space.
- Consume marijuana on private property, with the owner’s permission.
Public use of marijuana is illegal, as is driving under the influence of marijuana.
The use of medical marijuana has been legal in Colorado since 2000, when voters passed Amendment 20. This allows patients with certain qualifying medical conditions to possess up to 2 ounces of medical marijuana and cultivate no more than six marijuana plants. Patients must obtain a recommendation from a doctor and register with the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry.
Marijuana Businesses
The state allows licensed businesses to cultivate, manufacture, and sell marijuana and marijuana products. However, local jurisdictions have the authority to limit or ban marijuana businesses within their borders. The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) of the Colorado Department of Revenue oversees marijuana businesses.
Driving and Marijuana
It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana in Colorado. The law sets a legal limit for the amount of active THC in your system while driving (5 nanograms per milliliter of blood). It’s also illegal to open and consume marijuana in a vehicle.
Marijuana in the Workplace
Employers in Colorado have the right to test for marijuana and make employment decisions based on drug test results. Amendment 64 does not affect the ability of employers to create policies restricting the use of marijuana by employees.
Despite the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, it’s important to remember that marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Additionally, laws can vary significantly by locality, so always check with local regulations and ordinances to ensure compliance. Always use marijuana responsibly and in accordance with the law.
