As of November 2020, the State of Colorado has updated marijuana laws pertaining to the possession and sale of Marijuana. Upon the legalization of marijuana in December of 2012, Colorado become one of few states where an adult over the age of 21 could legally buy, possess, and consume marijuana legally.
Since marijuana has been legalized, attorneys across Colorado have been flooded with many questions pertaining to marijuana purchases and use while on vacation. As a result, we have compiled a list of the most important information pertaining to marijuana laws in Colorado. Not only do we hope this information educates tourists and residents of Colorado, we also hope it prevents any misinformation from being spread.
Who Can Purchase Marijuana In Colorado
In Colorado, marijuana can be purchased, possessed, and consumed by any adult over the age of 21. Colorado law does not differentiate between residents and tourists in terms of buying, possessing, or consuming marijuana. Therefore anyone who is over the age of 21 can purchase marijuana. Visitors from out of state do not need a special license or any sort of medical card to purchase recreational marijuana, however, if they wish to purchase medical marijuana, they will need a medical card from Colorado.
How Much Marijuana Can An Individual Purchase In Colorado At One Time?
Despite the fact that Colorado has historically distinguished between residents and visitors in terms of the amount of marijuana that can be purchased, currently, a non-resident may purchase the same amount of marijuana as a Colorado resident. The maximum amount of marijuana an adult can purchase is 1-ounce with a valid ID. Unlike many people believe, marijuana does not only come in flower form, so the 1-ounce restriction only applies to flowers. As far as marijuana laws in Colorado are concerned, one ounce of flower is equivalent to eight grams of concentrates (wax, shatter, etc), or 800 milligrams of edibles.
How To Purchase Marijuana In Colorado?
The purchase of weed or marijuana should be viewed in the same way as the purchase of alcohol. The stores where marijuana can be purchased are called dispensaries, and local dispensaries can be found simply by Googling them. As long as you present a valid government-issued ID, showing that you are over 21, you can buy marijuana up to the legal limit.
Where Do I Purchase Marijuana In Colorado?
At the beginning, the State of Colorado allowed the sale of marijuana in 136 stores across the state. Since then, that number has grown. However, marijuana sales can be banned in cities, towns, and counties, like Colorado Springs, if they choose to do so. The PotGuide.com website is one of the best resources for finding legal pot shops, otherwise known as dispensaries, and trusted places to purchase marijuana from if Googling them does not provide any information.
What Are Colorado Marijuana Hours Of Operation Laws?
It is true that marijuana laws in Colorado prohibit stores from opening prior to 8 am and closing after midnight. You should bear in mind, however, that each jurisdiction is allowed to restrict hours more than state law dictates, and many have done so. As an example, Denver allows stores to be open until 10 pm, and some mountain towns require stores to close at 7 pm. If you plan on purchasing marijuana from one particular location, make sure to check their opening and closing hours.
How To Transport Legally Purchased Weed?
In regards to transporting weed, it is recommended that individuals place it in a closed trunk. As a result, if law enforcement stops you, it is clear that you did not consume the substance. Additionally, make sure that the marijuana is not within reach of the driver, as a police officer may believe the driver was operating the vehicle under the influence or consuming marijuana while driving.
Is It Possible To Get A DUI For Marijuana In Colorado?
The State of Colorado has made it easier to prosecute you if you drive under the influence of marijuana. According to Colorado’s “express consent” law for marijuana, there is a per se limit on how much THC can be present in one’s blood, just as alcohol has a per se limit of .08. As a result, if an officer suspects you are impaired due to drugs or alcohol, you consent to undergo a blood or breath chemical test by virtue of operating a motor vehicle on Colorado roads. You will be required to submit to a blood test if the officer believes that you are high. As a result, they can accurately calculate how many nanograms of active THC metabolites are present in your blood at the time of driving. It is presumed that you are substantially impaired if you have more than 5 nanograms of active THC metabolites. This means a DA may inform a jury that, regardless of any other indicators of impairment, or how well you performed on the roadside tests, you were driving stoned regardless of how well you performed. To put it simply, refrain from driving while under the influence of marijuana.
Can I Be Federally Prosecuted For Consuming, Possessing, Or Buying Marijuana In Colorado?
Yes and no. It is still illegal to possess marijuana under Federal Law. Although that is the case, the federal government has stated that they will not prosecute marijuana possession and sale as long as state laws are followed, and those laws are robust. The Colorado legislature has attempted to prevent federal interference by making its marijuana regulations robust and well-regulated.
Can I Use My Credit Or Debit Card At A Pot Shop?
Buying weed in Colorado is now possible with a debit card or cash. In most dispensaries, there is an ATM machine, so you can pull cash out. Additionally, you can use your debit card to pay, however, you will be charged an ATM fee. When the transaction appears on your banking account, it will look like an ATM withdrawal. In Colorado, marijuana cannot be purchased with a credit card, as it is federally regulated.
Where Can I Legally Smoke Weed In Colorado?
Out-of-state residents who wish to smoke marijuana in Colorado face the greatest challenge in this aspect. The consumption of cannabis in public remains illegal, so it’s best to consume it privately (though landlords have the right to prohibit or refuse). It is forbidden to consume marijuana in National Parks, ski areas, outdoor public areas, and even a hotel can prohibit it, just like it is forbidden to smoke cigarettes in a hotel room. There is a question about whether you can smoke in your parked car. No, please do not smoke pot in the car, even if it is parked and off. This is a recipe for disaster. Marijuana smoke will permeate the inside of the car, which can cause a police officer to believe you are under the influence if you are to be pulled over.
What Else Do I Need To Know About Marijuana Laws In Colorado?
Please note that the rules are constantly changing, and attorneys are constantly trying to keep up with these changes. That is why it is best to consult an attorney if you have any questions pertaining to marijuana laws in Colorado. In addition, it is important to remember that Colorado’s legalization is essentially an experiment, and many other states and the federal government are closely monitoring the situation. Ensure its success by not taking any actions that may jeopardize it. Make sure you do not commit any crimes, do not provide marijuana to anyone under the age of 18, and do not attempt to bring it home to your illegal state. Don’t do anything that will contribute to the negative statistics if you ever wish to have marijuana legalized in your state.
