Marijuana Laws in Colorado for Recreational Pot Use

In January 2004, marijuana laws in Colorado sparked national change. Possession and purchase of marijuana has been legalized in Colorado. Recreational cannabis laws in Colorado has attracted residents and visitors alike, who are taking advantage of these new laws by visiting Colorado marijuana dispensaries. While marijuana laws are split into to categories — medical and recreational — most dispensaries serve both types of customers.

Welcome to Colorado (with cannabis leaf symbol) road sign illustration, with distressed foreboding background

Colorado Marijuana Laws and You

There are two main categories of marijuana laws in Colorado: laws that govern medical cannabis, and the laws that govern recreational cannabis. Because so many people are visiting Colorado recreational dispensaries for legal weed, let’s focus on the recreational laws that you should know. Learn more about

It’s important to understand all of the applicable marijuana laws before you buy. Keep them in mind whether you live here full time or are planning a vacation. Your purchases at a Colorado dispensary should lead to a good time, not a legal headache! Be responsible and respectful of your surroundings. Visit our 420 Colorado blog for more information on cannabis laws.

colorado recreational cannabis laws

Colorado Recreational Cannabis Laws

In many ways, it can be helpful to think of using Colorado recreational weed like you’d use alcohol. A lot of the basic laws are similar. For instance, you have to be 21 or older to buy, possess, or use recreational marijuana. And you cannot give it or sell it to minors. You’ll need a suitable government-issued ID to prove your age when you visit a dispensary.

Much like you need to buy alcohol from a licensed location, only licensed recreational dispensaries in Colorado can legally sell weed. An “open container” concept is associated with Colorado recreational cannabis laws. You cannot consume marijuana in public, or at indoor-but-public places like bars and restaurants. The legal goal is to use it privately and personally.

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Purchase and Possession of Colorado Recreational Weed

You’ve found a great Colorado dispensary and you’re ready to buy – awesome! But you should know how much you can buy and understand the rules around possession. Anyone of age can buy and possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Visitors used to be restricted to seven grams or less, but that was changed in June 2016.

With so many products available at dispensaries in Colorado, you will be happy to know that you can mix and match what you want under the marijuana laws in Colorado . Flower, edibles, concentrates are all available from Colorado weed shops, but the state has determined that concentrates and edibles are different in potency from flower, so there’s an important calculation you’ll have to do if you want to buy anything other than bud.

One ounce of flower is equal to eight grams of concentrate, and/or 800 mg of edibles. As long as it all adds up to an ounce or less, you’re legally in the clear. You should be aware that because marijuana is legal on a state-wide basis, not federally, marijuana is still illegal on federal land. Watch out if you’re visiting national parks and forests, monuments, courthouses, and some ski areas, which are often located on federal land.

Colorado cannabis tours

Driving Under Colorado Recreational Cannabis Laws

You can drive with marijuana in your car but again, you cannot have it in an open container. To avoid problems, don’t keep it in a container with broken seals, or with any evidence of consumption. Wait until you’re out of the car before opening anything up. US Marijuana legalization and marijuana laws in Colorado are still developing so it’s important to avoid putting yourself in any compromising situation while possessing cannabis.

You can’t consume or use it in your vehicle, and there’s a DUI-like law that applies to drivers. You cannot legally drive under the influence of marijuana, which is spelled out in the law as having over five nanograms or more of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per milliliter in whole blood. It is best not to drive if you’ve used recreational marijuana as it’s difficult to determine impairment.

And if you do have it in your car, remember that you can’t leave Colorado with cannabis products! It’s probably wise to make sure to remove any recreational weed from your vehicle once you’re home. The absent-minded might find themselves in tricky situations the next time they cross state lines.

Colorado Recreational Cannabis Laws

Penalties Attached to Colorado Recreational Weed

Depending on what law is broken and the severity of the situation, breaking the rules could see you facing anything from a fine to jail time. The penalties range substantially, from what could be considered a slap on the wrist to major financial fees and punitive sentences.

Individual municipalities have their own penalties as well. If you are employed or go to school in Colorado, your employer or educational facility may have their own rules and penalties. Do some research to stay safe.

You’ll find that your Colorado dispensary is happy to help out with any questions you may have, whether you are trying to sort out what to buy under the possession limits, or if you want to understand more about where you can consume your buys. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, because it’s important to know you’re legally okay to partake. You’ll find that people in weed stores in Colorado Springs are well-informed and glad to help.

As long as you know the laws and understand the dos and don’ts, you’ll have a great time with Colorado’s recreational weed. With just a little care and a willingness to ask questions, you can go ahead and enjoy our world-class recreational dispensaries and products with peace of mind.

Visit our 420 Colorado blog for more information on marijuana laws in Colorado or stop by The Stop 420 to view our extensive product selection at the best recreational dispensaries in Colorado.

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Colorado Dispensary
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The Spot 420 is a Colorado recreational dispensary that operates in accordance with state laws regarding access to cannabis. You must be at least 21 years old in order to enter this site.
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