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Retail marijuana licensees

For all the information you need on operating a retail marijuana business, go to the Department of Revenue’s Retail Marijuana Licensing Information Page. 

  • It’s important to cross-reference state rules on retail marijuana licensing with your local rules, which may be stricter.

  • Learn more about how marijuana laws differ in each county and town across Colorado.

  • All applicants must demonstrate at least two years of Colorado residency when applying for a license, and pass criminal and credit background checks. Learn about the rules in your area and visit the Department of Revenue’s website to learn about the state rules for retail marijuana stores.

  • For a list of existing license recipients in the state, visit the Department of Revenue’s website. Please keep in mind, licensed does not mean operating. A marijuana business must be licensed by both the state and their local jurisdiction before being allowed to operate. 

  • The state recently released guidance on the use of pesticides in commercial marijuana grow operations.

 
Working in the industry
Certain regulations and requirements apply to anyone who wants to work with the marijuana industry. All applicants must:

  • Be age 21 or older.

  • Be residents of Colorado.

  • Pass criminal background checks.

You can learn more about employment within the medical and retail marijuana industries from the Department of Revenue. 
 
For information about becoming a caregiver for medical marijuana patients, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
 
For information about medical marijuana centers, visit the Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division.