Colorado and Washington were the first states to legalize recreational cannabis (Amendment 64, 2012). Colorado has one of the most mature and well-regulated cannabis markets in the country, with over a decade of data on legalization outcomes.
1 oz usable cannabis
Active
6 plants per person (3 mature), 12 per household
Moderate
Medical Patients
2 oz
usable cannabis
Recreational (21+)
1 oz
usable cannabis
Up to 8g of concentrate; up to 800mg of edibles
Home Cultivation Permitted
Plant limit: 6 plants per person (3 mature), 12 per household
Must be 21+, plants must be in an enclosed, locked space
Card Cost
$29.50/year
Renewal
Annual
Processing Time
35 days
Dispensaries
600+
Legalized
2012
Sales Started
2014
Age Requirement
21+
Purchase Limit
1 oz per transaction
Delivery
Allowed
Public Consumption
Prohibited in most public spaces. Denver permits consumption in some licensed venues.
HB 1152 (2021) provides some off-duty use protections.
Employers cannot terminate employees solely for off-duty cannabis use unless the position is safety-sensitive or the employer would lose federal funding. Pre-employment testing restrictions apply for most positions.
Per se limit of 5 ng/mL THC in blood. Open container laws apply. Cannabis DUI is a serious offense.
2022: Delivery services legalized statewide
2023: Social equity licensing expanded
2025: Consumption lounge regulations finalized
2026: Expungement program expanded
Official State Resource
Always verify current laws with the official state cannabis authority.