Below, we answer some of the most common questions our lawyers are asked by clients regarding Denver’s marijuana laws.
Question: How old must I be to purchase, possess, or consume marijuana from a retailer/dispensary?
A: In Denver, a person has to be 21 or older to purchase, possess, or use marijuana from a retailer/dispensary. It is illegal for a person to give or sell marijuana that has been obtained from a retailer/dispensary to a minor child.
Question: What are the differences between medical and retail marijuana?
A: Only businesses with a license can sell retail marijuana to people 21 and over.
Question: Where can I buy retail marijuana?
A: People who are 21 or older can purchase retail marijuana from a licensed retail store/dispensary. Other municipalities outside of Denver also allow marijuana to be sold by retailers/dispensaries. You should go to each city’s website to learn more about their specific marijuana sale and consumption laws.
Question: Where can I consume retail marijuana in Denver?
A: The marijuana purchased from a retail store/dispensary is intended for your own personal and private use. Use of marijuana is only legal in specific locations that are not open or accessible to the public. You cannot openly consume marijuana products in public in the city of Denver. This include areas that are accessible to the public, such as transportation facilities, schools, amusement/sporting/music venues, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, roads, and rooftop cafes. You also can’t smoke marijuana at indoor-but-public locations like bars, restaurants, and common areas in buildings.
Question: How much marijuana can I possess?
A: After Amendment 64 went into effect at the end of 2012, adults 21 and older have been legally allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana from a retailer/dispensary.
Question: How much marijuana can I buy at one time?
A: If you are an adult 21 or older, you can purchase and have up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana on you at a time.
Question: Can marijuana be consumed in a licensed retail store/dispensary?
A: Although marijuana is legal, you cannot consume it in or around a licensed store.
Question: Does Denver have marijuana “social clubs” or “coffee shops”?
A: No. These types of businesses are not permitted in the city.
Question: What are the consequences for violating marijuana laws?
A: Penalties for violating marijuana laws range from fines to possible time in jail or prison. Colorado State Statutes and Denver Revised Municipal Code specify the penalties for various violations. Schools, universities, and employers can decide to put their own disciplinary actions for marijuana-related infractions in place.
Question: Can I keep marijuana in my car?
A: You can carry marijuana in your vehicle but it cannot be in an open container and you cannot cross state boundaries with it. It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana and you or your passengers cannot use marijuana in a vehicle.
Question: Can I get a DUI for driving after smoking or consuming marijuana?
A: Yes. Just like drinking and driving, it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. Anyone who has 5 nanograms or more of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per milliliter in whole blood (CRS 42-4-1301) while driving a motor vehicle can be arrested for DUI. If you get a DUI, you can face fines, jail time, and a suspension of your license.
Question: Can I bring marijuana with me through airport security, or travel out of state with it?
A: It is illegal for you to travel with marijuana across state lines. DIA prohibits the possession, use, display, and transfer of all marijuana products on its property.
Have you been arrested for a marijuana related charge? Call 720-619-2676 to set up your no-cost consultation with our team of Denver drug crimes attorneys today.