Sensi: Colorado Laws Around Cannabis Use

This week Leland Rucker, Senior Editor at Sensi Magazine reviews the basic rules of cannabis possession in Colorado. You can find these tips and more on Colorado’s website GoodtoKnowColorado.

Age: In order to purchase, possess or use retail marijuana in Colorado, you must have a valid ID proving you’re 21 or older.

Public Use: Using marijuana in any form (smoking, eating or vaping) isn’t allowed in public places, including amusement parks, ski resorts, sporting and music venues, state and national parks, campsites, playgrounds, sidewalks and roads, marijuana retail businesses, bars, restaurants and outdoor or rooftop cafes.

So where can you use it? Marijuana use is legal within the confines of private property. Just keep in mind that property owners, landlords, and rental companies can ban the use and possession of marijuana on their premises.

Federal land? Marijuana is legal by state of Colorado law. But if you’re on federal land, such as a national park or a national forest, you can’t even have it in your possession.

Keep it here: It’s illegal to leave Colorado with any marijuana products. Additionally, Denver International Airport has banned the possession of marijuana products on its property. Mailing marijuana from Colorado is also illegal.

It’s illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. If you get caught, you could be charged with a DUI. Under Colorado marijuana driving laws, you can’t drive if you have five nanograms or more of THC in your system. As a rule of thumb, if you’re smoking, wait at least six hours before driving. If you’re ingesting, wait at least eight.

Keep it sealed in your car. If you have marijuana in your car, make sure it’s sealed and unused. It’s illegal to open and use any marijuana in a vehicle. That goes for both the passenger and the driver.

Adults over the age of 21 can purchase and possess up to one ounce of marijuana, bought from licensed retail locations. It’s illegal for any individual to sell marijuana without a state and local marijuana business license. It’s also illegal to buy marijuana from an unlicensed individual.

Coloradans can grow marijuana for personal use. Up to six plants are allowed per Colorado resident over the age of 21, with as many as three plants flowering at one time. Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked location. Beginning January 1, 2018, all residences will be limited to a maximum of 12 plants unless certain requirements are met. Check local laws for specific details.

Share marijuana with adults, but it’s a felony to give or share retail marijuana with someone younger than 21 years old. This includes family members and friends.

If pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor

There is no known safe amount of marijuana use while pregnant or breastfeeding.

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