Recreational
Connecticut
1.5 oz in public; up to 5 oz at home
Age 21+View Guide →
Colorado
RecreationalLegal Status
Recreational
Possession Limit
1 oz in public; 2 oz at home
Minimum Age
21+
Dispensaries
Open
Overview
Colorado legalized adult-use cannabis through Amendment 64 in 2012 and opened some of the nation's first retail stores in 2014. Adults 21+ may possess and buy up to two ounces. Home grow is allowed within plant limits per person and per residence. The Marijuana Enforcement Division regulates licensed businesses, and some municipalities license hospitality and consumption businesses. Local governments may still prohibit retail sales.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
What's Legal
Public consumption is a petty offense; licensed consumption lounges are permitted in some municipalities.
Possession Limits
1 oz in public; 2 oz at home
Home Growing
Up to 6 plants per person (3 mature), 12 per household
Penalties
Adult-use cannabis is legal in Colorado. Consuming in prohibited public spaces or exceeding possession limits may still result in a civil fine.
Driving and Cannabis
Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal in Colorado, as it is in every state, whether or not the cannabis was obtained legally. Officers may rely on field sobriety tests, drug recognition evaluations, and blood tests, and some states set specific THC limits or zero-tolerance rules. Consuming cannabis in a vehicle and carrying open or unsealed packages where the driver can reach them are commonly prohibited. If you have used cannabis, the safest choice is not to drive.
Crossing State Lines and Federal Law
Taking marijuana across state lines is illegal under federal law, even between two states where cannabis is legal, and it may also violate the law of the state you enter. Marijuana is also prohibited on federal land, in national parks, and at airports under TSA jurisdiction. In 2026 the federal government moved FDA-approved products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III, but adult-use marijuana remains a Schedule I substance, and rescheduling does not legalize interstate transport. Separate federal changes to the legal definition of hemp take effect in late 2026 and will restrict many intoxicating hemp-derived THC products.
Colorado Cannabis FAQ
Is cannabis legal in Colorado?
Yes. Adult-use (recreational) cannabis is legal in Colorado for adults 21 and older. Possession limit: 1 oz in public; 2 oz at home.
Can you grow cannabis at home in Colorado?
Up to 6 plants per person (3 mature), 12 per household.
How old do you have to be to buy cannabis in Colorado?
The minimum age for adult-use purchases in Colorado is 21.
Are dispensaries open in Colorado?
Yes. Licensed dispensaries are operating in Colorado.
Can you use cannabis in public in Colorado?
Public consumption is a petty offense; licensed consumption lounges are permitted in some municipalities.
Compare Colorado with every other state in our cannabis laws comparison table.
Official Resource
Cannabis laws change often, and limits, penalties, and program rules can differ from what is summarized here. This page is general information, not legal advice. Before you rely on any detail, check the official state source below or consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.
Visit Official Site →