Age
21 with a valid, unexpired government photo ID. Out-of-state and foreign IDs are widely accepted.
Legal
Colorado Cannabis Laws
The complete visitor guide to purchasing, possessing, transporting, and consuming cannabis legally in Colorado.
Colorado's cannabis laws are clear, but the details matter — especially for travelers. This guide covers everything legal you need to know: who can buy, how much, where to consume, what to avoid, and how to navigate airports without ending up in federal court.
Legal age
21+
Possession limit
2 oz flower
DUI threshold
5 ng/mL THC blood
Public consumption
Illegal
Purchase rules
Quantity per visit
Up to 2 oz flower, 8 g concentrate, or 800 mg total THC in edibles per dispensary transaction.
Payment
Cash and debit cards at most stores. Credit cards remain rare due to federal banking restrictions.
Tax
Roughly 26% combined recreational tax (state excise + state sales + local sales).
Possession
Adults 21+ can possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower (or equivalent in concentrates/edibles). Possession over 2 oz is a Class 2 misdemeanor; over 6 oz is a Class 1 misdemeanor; over 12 oz is a Level 4 drug felony.
Transportation
- Cannabis must be in original child-resistant packaging while in a vehicle.
- Open containers (including a partially smoked joint) are illegal in passenger areas.
- Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal — 5 ng/mL THC blood threshold.
- Never cross state lines — federally illegal even between two legal states.
- Rideshare drivers may refuse passengers carrying cannabis; check before booking.
Consumption rules
Private property only
Consumption is permitted on private property with the property owner's permission.
Licensed consumption lounges
Colorado allows Marijuana Hospitality Establishments — licensed venues like Tetra Lounge and The Coffee Joint in Denver.
No public consumption
Streets, sidewalks, parks, ski resorts, beaches, and event venues are all off-limits.
No federal land
National parks, national forests, monuments, ski resort backcountry — all federal, all illegal.
Hotels
Most prohibit smoking and vaping indoors; check with cannabis-friendly properties before booking.
Airports
Denver International Airport (DIA) prohibits cannabis on airport property, with confiscation and possible federal charges. Aspen-Pitkin County Airport historically offered amnesty boxes pre-security. Never attempt to fly with cannabis — consume or discard before arriving at the airport.
Other key restrictions
- Home growing is permitted (up to 6 plants per adult, 12 per household) but only for residents.
- Selling or sharing without a license is a felony regardless of quantity.
- Penalties scale fast above 2 oz — always confirm your limits.
- Federal employees and CDL holders should consult counsel; legalization doesn't change federal employment rules.
Interactive map
Cannabis is regulated statewide by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my Colorado cannabis to another state?
No. Even between two legal states, crossing state lines with cannabis is a federal felony. Consume what you buy in Colorado.
Can I drive with cannabis in my car?
Yes if it's in the original child-resistant packaging and you are not consuming. Open containers and active consumption while driving are illegal.
What is Colorado's THC DUI limit?
5 nanograms per milliliter of blood. Like alcohol DUI, this can result in license suspension, fines, and jail time.
Where can I legally consume in public?
Almost nowhere. Consumption must occur on private property with owner's permission, or at a licensed Marijuana Hospitality Establishment (consumption lounge).
