Colorado

Regulatory Framework

The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) is responsible for regulating both medical and adult-use cannabis in Colorado [1].

Legal Status

Market Status Statute Year
Adult-Use Legal Amendment 64 2012 [11]
Medical Legal Amendment 20 2000 [11]

Track-and-Trace

Metrc is the required track-and-trace system for all MED licensed medical and retail marijuana businesses [3].

Licensing

The following retail and medical marijuana license types are available in Colorado [12]:

  • Retail Marijuana Store
  • Retail Marijuana Products Manufacturer
  • Retail Marijuana Cultivation Facility
  • Retail Marijuana Testing Facility
  • Retail Marijuana Business Operator
  • Retail Marijuana Transporter
  • Retail Marijuana Transporter No Premises
  • Medical Marijuana Store
  • Medical Marijuana Transporter
  • Medical Marijuana Products Manufacturer
  • Medical Marijuana Transporter No Premises
  • Medical Marijuana Testing Facility
  • Marijuana Research & Development Facility
  • Medical Marijuana Business Operator
  • Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facility

Possession Limits

Item Possession Limit Source
"Marijuana" 2 ounces [7]
Cultivated plants Up to 6 plants, with a maximum of 3 flowering at a time [8]

Medical Cannabis

To be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Colorado, you must be a Colorado resident 18 or older with a qualifying medical condition and be examined by a doctor [14]. Qualifying medical conditions include: [13]

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cachexia
  • Persistent muscle spasms
  • Seizures
  • Severe nausea
  • Severe pain
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Any condition for which a physician could prescribe an opioid

Additional Resources

References