{"id":371989,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:37","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-marijuana-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-08-26T10:20:34","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T15:20:34","slug":"colorado-marijuana-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-marijuana-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Marijuana Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Colorado Marijuana Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Colorado has always been at the forefront of allowing marijuana. It was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana use after Colorado voters approved Amendment 64<\/a> in 2012. By January 2014, the first retail shops, known as dispensaries, were open for business.<\/p>\r\n

Before legalizing recreational marijuana, Colorado voters approved medical marijuana use through a state constitutional amendment in 2000.<\/p>\r\n

While Colorado marijuana laws have continued to become more permissive, Colorado residents and visitors to the state must be mindful of what’s legal and what isn’t. The state provides detailed public information<\/a> on marijuana (cannabis) laws online. In this article, we’ll discuss the laws all cannabis users should know, bring you up to date on changes in legislation you might not know of, and make sure you understand the penalties you’ll face for illegal possession, sales, and trafficking.<\/p>\r\n

Recreational and medical marijuana have been a part of the state of Colorado’s culture for some time now. Let’s learn everything you need to know to have a legal and enjoyable experience should you choose to consume marijuana in Colorado.<\/p>\r\n

Overview of Marijuana Laws in Colorado<\/h2>\r\n

Before diving into Colorado state laws, remember that federal law<\/a> considers marijuana illegal under the Controlled Substances Act<\/a>. Federal government law supersedes state laws, so it’s prohibited to use marijuana products on federal lands, such as any of the federal parks in Colorado. The President Joe Biden administration has been trying to get cannabis rescheduled, but as of August 2024, nothing official has changed.<\/p>\r\n

State laws vary widely on marijuana use and possession. Some states have only taken steps to decriminalize<\/a> possession of small amounts of marijuana without approving it for medical or personal use. Crossing state lines with marijuana may put you at risk from state and federal authorities.<\/p>\r\n

It’s still against the law to use marijuana products<\/a>, even edibles, in public places. The public consumption ban includes:<\/p>\r\n