Laws and youth | Colorado Cannabis

It’s illegal for anyone under age 21 to buy, possess or use retail marijuana.
- Retail stores can lose their license for selling marijuana to anyone underage, and adults may be charged with a felony for giving marijuana products to someone underage.
It’s illegal to have retail marijuana on school property.
- Students caught with marijuana at school may have to take drug counseling, be kicked off sports teams, or be suspended, expelled or charged with breaking the law.
- Adults may face civil or criminal penalties.
- The laws are different for medical marijuana.
Youth caught trying to buy, carry, sell or use marijuana can face a minor-in-possession charge.
- This can result in fines, public service, education and intervention, loss of a driver’s license, and misdemeanor or felony charges.
People under age 21 can face charges that have a lasting impact.
- Since marijuana is federally illegal, youth with marijuana charges may be denied financial aid to help pay for college.
As of July 1, 2023, drug convictions no longer affect financial aid eligibility. For more information on this change visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Read about the health effects of marijuana on youth and the importance of safely storing marijuana products to prevent youth use.
It’s important to talk about marijuana with youth early and often to answer their questions about marijuana and connect with them on their goals.
Download shareable resources about youth and marijuana, tips for parents and tips for youth-serving professionals.