If you’ve lived in Colorado for any length of time, you’ve likely seen Colorado weed laws change drastically over the years. As of 2012, recreational marijuana became legal alongside medical marijuana with the passing of Amendment 64. However, when legal recreational dispensaries were able to start selling in 2014, they weren’t allowed to open in every city. Why not?
Some localities, such as Douglas County, passed legislation that strictly controls or outright bans the use of commercial marijuana. This left people asking questions like, “Where is marijuana legal in Colorado?” or “Can you smoke weed in public?” As a dispensary that operates two locations close to Douglas County, Greenfields Cannabis Co. wants to help you better understand Colorado weed laws so you can partake safely and legally. Educate yourself today by starting with our guide below.
This post should not be considered legal advice or an educational resource. Please consult law enforcement, local regulation postings, or your attorney for complete marijuana policy information.
Understanding Cannabis Laws in Colorado
The marijuana rules as outlined by Amendment 64 must be followed by everyone in the state of Colorado. Here is a brief outline of its most basic requirements:
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- Colorado residents purchasing marijuana must provide a valid ID proving they are 21+ years old.
- Adults 21+ can legally buy or carry up to 1 ounce of marijuana at a time.
- Adults 21+ cannot possess more than 2 ounces of marijuana at a time.
- Colorado residents may cultivate up to six plants (three mature and three immature) for private use.
- Only licensed retailers can sell marijuana products.
- The consumption of marijuana on public property or federal lands is illegal. This includes indoor and outdoor areas, including restaurants, concert venues, sidewalks, parks, and parking lots.
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If you purchase and consume your weed within these rules, you should have no issues with Colorado law enforcement. However, it’s important to keep in mind that marijuana laws can differ in each county across Colorado. Always do your own research to see how these laws are applied or restricted in your own town.
Specific Regulations and Restrictions in Douglas County
Denver, Colorado, is home to over 300 dispensaries, and yet Douglas County, which is just south of Denver, does not allow any dispensaries to operate whatsoever. This is due to Ordinance No. O-016-002, passed in 2012, prohibits commercial marijuana operations and limits the growing, cultivating, and processing of marijuana by individuals. The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners deemed these regulations “necessary and desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Douglas County.”
This Ordinance affects residents in Parker, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Franktown, and Sedalia, among others. Keep in mind that while the weed laws in Douglas County do not allow dispensaries, it is still legal to have and smoke pot within the county. This means there is nothing wrong with visiting our Greensfield dispensary located on Mississippi Avenue (only 30 minutes away from Parker and 37 minutes away from Highlands Ranch) to purchase marijuana products and bring them home to safely enjoy on private property.
Consume Cannabis Responsibly in Colorado
If you’re still asking, “Where can you smoke weed in public in Colorado?” the answer is, “Nowhere.” This also applies to vaping and consuming edibles in public. Do not attempt to smoke weed publicly at entertainment venues, amusement parks, outdoor cafes, or rooftops. It’s also a bad idea to smoke in your car or while operating a vehicle.
The most responsible way to enjoy marijuana is in a private residence or marijuana-friendly venue. In Denver, there is an emerging network of private membership cannabis clubs and 420-friendly hotels where you can smoke and hang out in a relaxed environment. As a marijuana user, it is always in your best interest to stay informed about Colorado weed laws and to be discreet when partaking, even on private property.
How Greenfields Cannabis Co. Ensures Compliance with Local Regulations
At Greenfields, we take cannabis safety very seriously and do everything we can to be compliant with Colorado weed laws. We enforce the following policies, among others, to ensure we meet or exceed compliance regulations:
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- No admittance to minors under 21
- Appropriate hours of sale (9 am – 9:45 pm Mon-Sun)
- Compliance with labeling requirements
- Proper application of retail marijuana sales tax
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When you shop with Greenfields Cannabis Co., you can be sure that you’re receiving high-quality cannabis products from a well-educated team. If you have questions or concerns about consuming marijuana, visit our knowledgeable budtenders at either of our Denver locations!
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