Colorado
Marijuana FAQs

Whether you are a local or visiting from out of state, it’s important to take a look at the Cannabis laws to see what is and isn’t legal regarding consuming THC products. Doc’s Apothecary in Denver has created this marijuana FAQ to answer a wide range of questions on rec and med cannabis.

Medical Marijuana

Interested in becoming a medical marijuana patient at Doc’s Apothecary?

 

MEDICAL MARIJUANA REGISTRY CARD QUALIFICATIONS

The Colorado Department of Health and Environment states that a person suffering from any of the debilitating medical conditions listed below may benefit from the use of medicinal marijuana.

  • cancer
  • glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS

According to CDPHE Regulation 6, debilitating medical condition also includes a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition other than HIV infection, cancer or glaucoma; or treatment for such conditions, which produces for a specific patient one or more of the following, and for which, in the professional opinion of the patient’s physician, such condition or conditions may reasonably be alleviated by the medical use of marijuana: cachexia; severe pain; severe nausea; seizures, including those that are characteristic of epilepsy; or persistent muscle spasms, including those that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis. Have a look at our marijuana FAQ to find out where it’s legal to use medical marijuana in Denver and across Colorado.

Chronic diseases or medical conditions producing one or more of the following may benefit from MMJ use:

  • Severe Pain
  • Cachexia
  • Severe Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Persistent Muscle Spasms

Do you suffer from one or more of the above ailments?

  • Ask your doctor for a referral
  • Fill out a registry application
  • Have your application notarized (You can do this at Doc’s Apothecary)
  • Send your application to CDPHE via Certified Mail
  • Keep copies of all documents!

New to purchasing cannabis?

Check out the Doc’s Education center and see how the process works.

Recreational Marijuana

Interested in exercising your Colorado right? Our marijuana FAQ had information on Denver rules and regulations. Read on to find the answers to our most commonly-asked questions.

1. How old do I have to be to purchase, possess or consume retail marijuana?

You must be 21 and older to buy, possess or use retail (recreational) marijuana. It is illegal to give or sell retail marijuana to minors.

2. How is medical marijuana different from retail?

Only licensed retail marijuana stores may sell recreational marijuana, and only to those 21 and older. Medical marijuana requires a state red card, which can only be obtained by Colorado residents with a recommendation from a doctor that a patient suffers from a debilitating medical condition that may benefit from medical marijuana. Medical marijuana patients can obtain marijuana from a licensed center, a primary care giver or self grow.

3. Where can I purchase retail marijuana?

Those 21 and older can purchase retail marijuana at licensed retail stores. Other municipalities in Colorado also allow retail marijuana stores. Please go to each city’s website to determine specific marijuana sale and consumption laws.

4. Where can I legally consume retail marijuana?

Retail marijuana is intended for private, personal use. Such use is only legal in certain locations not open or accessible to the public. Marijuana may not be consumed openly or publicly.

5. Can I consume marijuana in public?

No, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public. This includes but is not limited to areas accessible to the public such as transportation facilities, schools, amusement/sporting/music venues, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and roads and outdoor and rooftop cafes. It is also illegal to smoke at indoor-but-public locations like bars, restaurants and common areas in buildings.

6. How much marijuana can I possess?

Since Amendment 64 went into effect in late 2012, adults 21 and older have been allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana.

7. How much marijuana can I purchase?

Colorado residents 21 and older can purchase and possess up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana at a time. Non-residents can purchase up to ¼ ounce (7 grams) at a time.

8. Can I consume marijuana in the recreational store?

No, it is illegal to consume marijuana in or around a licensed store. It is also illegal to smoke at indoor-but-public locations such as bars, restaurants and common areas in buildings.

9. What are the consequences if I violate marijuana laws?

Penalties range from a fine to a possible jail or prison sentence. Colorado State Statutes and Denver Revised Municipal Code spell out the specific penalties for various violations. Schools, universities and employers are allowed to put in place their own disciplinary actions for marijuana-related infractions.

10. Are the rules different for possession and consumption of edible marijuana than for marijuana that can be smoked?

No. Possession laws are the same for all retail marijuana types, and public consumption is always illegal, regardless of form.

11. Can I have marijuana in my car?

Yes. Marijuana may be carried in cars but it may not be in an open container and cannot cross state boundaries. It is illegal to use or consume marijuana in a motor vehicle and it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana.

12. Is there a DUI-like equivalent for driving under the influence of marijuana?

Yes. It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana and it can result in a DUI, just like alcohol. Anyone with 5 nanograms or more of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (known as THC) per milliliter in whole blood (CRS 42-4-1301) while driving can be arrested for DUI. The consequences of DUI is dependent on the driver but they can include fines, jail time and a revoked license.

13. Can I take marijuana through airport security or travel out of state with it?

No. It is illegal to take marijuana across state lines. DIA prohibits possession, use, display, and transfer of all marijuana on its property.

14. Can I smoke marijuana in a taxi or limousine in Denver?

It is illegal to smoke marijuana in a taxi, limousine or any form of government-operated mass transportation.

15. Can I consume marijuana inside a smoke-friendly hotel room or on a hotel balcony?

Hotel operators may not allow smoking inside hotel rooms pursuant to the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act. Denver law prohibits marijuana consumption on hotel balconies if visible from any public place. Always ask your hotel operator if they allow patrons to smoke marijuana on their balconies.

16. How much marijuana can I possess?

Since Amendment 64 went into effect in late 2012, adults 21 and older have been allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana.

17. How much marijuana can I purchase?

Colorado residents 21 and older can purchase and possess up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana at a time. Non-residents can purchase up to ¼ ounce (7 grams) at a time.