Colorado Marijuana Laws
Are you a Colorado resident wondering about the rules and regulations surrounding cannabis? Learn more about Colorado marijuana laws here.
So, is marijuana legal in Colorado?
Let's find out.
If you live in or plan on visiting Colorado, you may find yourself wondering whether medical marijuana is legal in the state.
The good news is that medical marijuana is, in fact, legal in the state of Colorado. However, it’s important to know all of the rules and regulations concerning marijuana in the state so that you follow the laws correctly.
Is Recreational Weed Legal in Colorado?
The use of recreational weed is legal in the state of Colorado for both visitors and residents. However, there are specific regulations you have to follow when using weed in the state.
Recreational marijuana is only allowed to be used in a private residence with permission from the property owner or at licensed marijuana businesses. You are not allowed to use marijuana in public spaces, regardless of the type of marijuana you are using.
As a recreational user, you can possess up to two ounces of retail weed at any time. If you’re found with more than that on your person, you are susceptible to legal penalties. The penalty for unlawful recreational marijuana use can range from a fine to time in jail, depending on the severity of the offense.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Colorado
Even though recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, you may still want to get a medical cannabis card if you qualify for one. In order to receive a medical marijuana card, you would need to be diagnosed with one of the following medical conditions:
- AIDS or HIV
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Muscle spasms
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Pain
- Autism
- Any condition where your doctor could prescribe an opioid.
Colorado Medical Marijuana Laws
In addition to having specific conditions that qualify for medical cannabis in Colorado, there are laws that have to be followed as well.
Possession
If you have a medical marijuana card in Colorado, you are able to have two ounces of useable marijuana at any one time.
Cultivation
As a medical card holder, you are able to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at once. However, only three or less are allowed to be mature and flowering at any time.
Age
In order to qualify for a medical marijuana card in Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old. If a person under 18 needs a medical marijuana card, they will need to designate a caregiver to handle their medical card for them until they turn 18.
How Many Edibles Can I Buy in Colorado?
If you’re interested in purchasing marijuana edibles in Colorado, it’s important to know the limit. The current law in Colorado states that you can purchase up to 800 milligrams of edibles in a single trip to the dispensary.
In addition, you can purchase up to one ounce of marijuana flower at one time and up to eight grams of cannabis concentrates. Concentrates include oil, wax, resin, shatter, rosin, etc.
You are able to mix and match the products you purchase, but they can only add up to one ounce total.
Colorado Edible THC Limit
The state of Colorado has a limit on the amount of THC that can be in an edible.
The current law states that each serving of a cannabis edible can have no more than ten milligrams, with the total being no more than 100 mg per edible.
However, this doesn’t mean everyone should use ten milligrams when they try edibles.
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start low at around one to five milligrams. Casual users can try between five and ten milligrams, and experienced users can try ten to 15 milligrams.
How to Become a Licensed Caregiver in Colorado
If someone under 18 in your life needs a licensed caregiver for medical marijuana purposes, you may wonder what it takes to make this happen. Fortunately, it’s pretty simple to become a caregiver as long as you follow the correct steps.
Types of Caregivers
Colorado recognizes four different types of caregivers, so it’s important to know which type you’re looking to become:
- Cultivating: growing on behalf of patients
- Transporting: transports cannabis for either homebound or minor patients
- Parents: the parents of a medical marijuana patient who is under 18
- Advising: Advises patients on using medical cannabis
Caregiver Requirements
In order to become a caregiver in Colorado, you have to meet all of the following criteria:
- 18 or older
- Colorado resident
- Not the patient’s physician
- Not using your own primary caregiver
- Not licensed as a medical cannabis business
Steps to Register as a Caregiver
If you meet the requirements to become a caregiver, the next step is to register as one, which is simple! First, you will create an account with the Colorado government. Then, you will be able to log into your account and print off your caregiver ID card. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re good to go!
Colorado Dispensary Rules
Colorado dispensaries have very strict rules they have to follow in order to continue operations. Because of this, you may notice some aspects of visiting a dispensary may be different from going to a liquor store.
In order to go into a dispensary, you will have to show your identification at the door if there are any plants or products visible to customers. Then, you will find yourself showing your ID card again when you make your purchase. They can accept state IDs, military IDs, and passports from international visits.
Dispensary purchases are entitled to anonymity, so dispensaries won’t record your name or contact information. This also meant they won’t report your purchases to the government.
Also, those who work at dispensaries are unable to give medical advice on using marijuana. If you have a medical card, you likely have a product or dosage recommendation from your physician. However, if you’re a recreational user, you won’t be able to get medical tips on using marijuana from the employees of the dispensary.
Can You Enter a Dispensary at 18 in Colorado?
If you are 18, you are able to visit a dispensary. However, the next steps depend on what cannabis use you have in mind when visiting. If you have a medical marijuana card in Colorado, you can make a purchase at a cannabis dispensary once you’re 18 years old. However, if you are looking for recreational marijuana, you won’t be able to make any purchases at 18.
Legal Age to Buy Weed in Colorado
The legal age to buy cannabis in for recreational purposes in Colorado is 21 years old. If you have a medical card, you can purchase weed at 18 years old. Younger than that, adolescents with qualifying medical conditions will need to get a caregiver to make purchases for them.
Takeaway
Colorado is one of the most lenient states with both medical and recreational marijuana. However, there are still rules and regulations you have to know if you plan on using cannabis in any form while you’re in the state.
Make sure you’re clear on the amount of marijuana you can purchase as well as how much you can have in your possession. If you have medical conditions that qualify, consider getting a medical marijuana card so that you can have medical guidance on what cannabis products you can use.