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Laws about cannabis use

The laws described on this page may not apply to medical cannabis. Visit our medical cannabis page for more information.

Retail cannabis is legal in Colorado, and we all have a few things to know.

Check local laws and policies

The laws listed here are for the state. Cities, counties, schools, universities, and employers may set their own rules and consequences. Check how cannabis laws differ in each county or town before you use.

Buying and selling

  • You must be 21:
    • It’s illegal for people under 21 to buy, have, or use retail cannabis.
    • It’s a felony for anyone to give or sell to, or share cannabis with, anyone under 21.
    • You must present a valid ID proving you’re 21 or older.
  • Limits to buying:
    • Buy retail cannabis only from licensed retail stores.
    • Adults over the age of 21 can buy and possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis at a time.
  • Limits to selling:
    • Only licensed retailers can sell cannabis products.
    • Adults over 21 can give up to 2 ounces of cannabis to another adult 21 or older, but can’t sell Cannabis. This includes homegrown products. 
  • ​Learn more about the health effects of cannabis use and tips for responsible use.

Using and having

  • No more than 2 ounces:
    • Adults 21 and older can have up to 2 ounces of cannabis. Having more can result in legal charges and fines. 
  • Public use is illegal:
    • Using Cannabis in any way — smoking, eating or vaping — isn’t allowed in public places. This includes the following outdoor and indoor areas,  and many more:
      • Sidewalks. 
      • Parks and amusement parks.
      • Ski resorts.
      • Concert venues.
      • Businesses.
      • Restaurants, cafes or bars.
      • Common areas of apartment buildings or condominiums.
  • Use on federal land is illegal:
    • Since cannabis is still illegal under federal law, you can’t use on federal land, including national parks and national forests. This includes ski slopes.
  • Where you CAN use:
    • Private property is your best bet. However, property owners can ban the use and possession of cannabis on their properties. If you rent, you may not be allowed to use cannabis in your home.
    • Hotel owners can ban the use and possession of cannabis on their properties, so you may not be able to use in a hotel room. Be sure to research the places you’ll be staying in Colorado.

Point-of-sale regulations

  • You must present a valid ID proving you’re at least 21 years old, so be prepared.
  • No minors allowed
    • According to the retail cannabis rules passed by the Department of Revenue, no one under 21 is allowed in the restricted portion of a retail store. 
  • Limited hours of sale
    • Under state rules, retail cannabis businesses can be open only between 8 a.m. and midnight. Municipalities can require stricter hours of operation, so be sure to check local laws before you head to a retailer.
  • Packaging requirements
    • Retail and medical cannabis businesses are required to sell all cannabis products in packaging that’s resealable, child-resistant and not see-through. The packaging protects children, teens and adults from accidentally eating something that they don’t realize contains Cannabis. Using the packaging from the store is an important first step in safe storage.     
  • Labeling requirements
    • The Department of Revenue requires that all retail cannabis products use the THC symbol on packaging. Teach your kids not to eat or drink anything with the THC symbol on the package. Also, adults who can’t read the ingredient label can use this symbol as a warning that the product contains cannabis. 
THC symbol

 

Drug testing at work

  • Despite legalization, employers can still test for Cannabis and make employment decisions based on drug test results. Be sure you know your workplace policies before you use.

Pregnant people

  • Cannabis use during pregnancy is unsafe and may have legal consequences.
    • Some hospitals test babies after birth for drugs. If your baby tests positive for THC at birth, hospitals may choose to notify child protective services.
    • Talk to your doctor early in your pregnancy about any Cannabis use and safer alternatives if you were using it to help with nausea.

Cannabis taxes

  • A 15% retail sales tax at the point of sale and a 15 percent excise tax were added to the wholesale price of retail Cannabis (between cultivators and businesses).

Shareable resources

More information on these laws for pregnant or breastfeeding people, youth, parents, tourists, residents and more.

Learn more about the health effects of cannabis use and tips for responsible use.