Colorado Cannabis Guide

Recreational Cannabis

Adults 21+ can legally purchase and possess cannabis for recreational use. Colorado has a mature, well-regulated market with hundreds of licensed dispensaries.

Medical Cannabis

Medical marijuana has been legal since 2000. Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical card for access to medical dispensaries and higher possession limits.

Recreational Possession Limits

• • 1 ounce of cannabis flower
• • 8 grams of concentrate
• • 800mg of edibles (THC content)
• • Out-of-state visitors: Same limits apply

Home Cultivation

• • Adults 21+ can grow up to 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature)
• • Maximum 12 plants per household (regardless of number of adults)
• • Must be grown in enclosed, locked space
• • Not visible from public spaces
• • Medical patients: Up to 99 plants with extended plant count recommendation

Qualifying Conditions

• • Cancer
• • Glaucoma
• • HIV/AIDS
• • Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
• • Persistent muscle spasms (including MS)
• • Seizures (including epilepsy)
• • Severe nausea
• • Severe pain
• • PTSD

How to Get a Medical Card

1. Establish residency in Colorado (valid CO ID)
2. Get diagnosed with a qualifying condition by a licensed physician
3. Obtain physician recommendation
4. Apply online through Colorado Department of Public Health
5. Pay $15 application fee ($7 for Medicaid recipients)
6. Receive card within 35 days

Medical Card Benefits

• • Higher possession limits (2 ounces)
• • Lower taxes on purchases
• • Access to medical-only dispensaries
• • Ability to grow more plants with extended count
• • Purchase higher potency products

✓ Legal to Consume

• • Private residences
• • Licensed cannabis consumption lounges (limited availability)
• • Private property with owner permission

✗ Illegal to Consume

• • Public parks and streets
• • Ski resorts and national parks
• • Restaurants and bars (unless licensed lounge)
• • Hotels (unless specifically cannabis-friendly)
• • Vehicles (driver or passenger)
• • Federal property

Tax Rates

• • 15% retail marijuana excise tax
• • 15% retail marijuana sales tax
• • 2.9% state sales tax
• • Local taxes vary by city/county (0-5%)
• • Total: ~33-38% on recreational purchases
• • Medical: Lower taxes (2.9% state + local only)

Average Prices (2026)

• • Flower: $25-45 per eighth (3.5g)
• • Concentrates: $20-60 per gram
• • Edibles: $15-30 per 100mg package
• • Vape cartridges: $25-50 per 0.5g