Colorado operates under a long-established cannabis framework, with weed legal for adult recreational use and medical marijuana permitted under state law. Adults 21 and over can legally possess and purchase cannabis, while specific rules govern home cultivation, public consumption, and licensed dispensary sales. This page explains Colorado’s current marijuana legality, possession limits, growing allowances, and key regulations residents and visitors should understand. For readers who want to see how Colorado’s laws compare nationwide, explore our comprehensive breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Colorado
1. Legal Status
- Recreational Use: Legal since January 1, 2014, under Amendment 64.
- Medical Use: Legal since 2000 through Amendment 20.
2. Possession Limits
- Recreational Users (21+):
- May possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana.
- Can grow up to 6 plants, with 3 or fewer flowering at one time.
- Medical Marijuana Patients:
- Up to two ounces of useable marijuana may be in possession.
- Can grow 6 plants, and may grow more with an extended plant count if prescribed.
3. Purchasing and Retail
- Marijuana must be purchased from state-licensed dispensaries.
- Both residents and non-residents can legally buy marijuana (subject to limits).
4. Restrictions
- Public Use: Consumption is illegal in public (parks, streets, restaurants).
- Driving: DUI laws apply—driving under the influence of marijuana is a criminal offense.
- Employment: Employers may enforce drug-free policies, including testing.
- Federal Law: Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally, making transport across state lines illegal.
5. Summary
Colorado permits regulated recreational and medical marijuana use, with strict rules governing possession, cultivation, and consumption. Users must remain aware of both state and federal legal boundaries.
