Laws on the consumption of marijuana

Now that non-medicalmarijuana is legal in Colorado, there are things we should all know.

 Learn more about local laws

The laws that are listed here correspond to the state. Cities, counties, schools, universities and employers can set their own regulations and consequences. Consult the laws of each county or city before consuming marijuana.

Buy and sell

You must be at least 21 years old.

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to buy, own or consume non-medical marijuana.

It is a crime to supply, sell or share marijuana with a person under 21 years of age.

You must present a valid ID to confirm that you are at least 21 years old.

Limits for purchase:

You must buy non-medical marijuana only in authorized stores.

Colorado adults age 21 and older can purchase and be in possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana at a time.

Limits for sale:

Only authorized stores can sell marijuana products.

People older than 21 can provide up to 1 ounce of marijuana to another adult, but not sell it. This includes personal cultivation products.

Learn more about the effects of marijuana on health and tips for responsible consumption.

Use and possession

No more than 1 oz.

People over 21 can have up to 1 ounce of marijuana. Possession of a larger amount will result in fines and legal charges.

Consumption in public is illegal.

It is not allowed to use marijuana in any way (that is, it is forbidden to smoke it, ingest it or inhale its vapor) in public places. These include the following outdoor or indoor areas:

sidewalks

parks and amusement parks;

ski centers;

concert venues;

business;

restaurants, cafes or bars,

and common areas in apartment buildings or condominiums.

It is illegal to consume in federal territories.

Since marijuana is still illegal according to federal laws, it can not be consumed in federal territories. This prohibition covers parks, national forests and ski slopes.

Places where you CAN consume.

The best option is a private property. However, the owners can prohibit the consumption and possession of marijuana in their buildings. If you are a tenant, there is a possibility that you will not be allowed to use marijuana at home.

Hotel owners can prohibit the consumption and possession of marijuana on their property; therefore, it may happen that you are not allowed to use marijuana in a hotel room. Be sure to investigate the places you will stay during your stay in Colorado.

Tests of drug detection at work.

Despite having been legalized, employers can perform marijuana screening and make decisions based on the results. Make sure you know the rules of your workplace before consuming marijuana.

Learn more about the effects of marijuana on health and tips for responsible consumption.

Hashish oil preparation

Do not use flammable products.

It is illegal to produce hashish oil or other marijuana concentrates with substances such as butane, propane, ether or alcohol.

Get more information on safer alternatives to produce hash oil.

Regulations on points of sale

You must present a valid ID that confirms that you are at least 21 years old, so be prepared.

No minors are allowed.

According to the regulations on non-medical marijuana approved by the Department of the Treasury, people under the age of 21 are prohibited from accessing the restricted section inside a marijuana store.

Limited sales hours.

According to state regulations, non-medical marijuana businesses can only be open between 8 am and midnight. The municipalities may demand more strict schedules; therefore, be sure to know local laws before going to a store.

Packaging requirements

Currently, recreational and medical marijuana businesses are required to sell marijuana products in resealable, childproof and opaque containers. The packaging prevents children, adolescents and adults accidentally ingesting products containing marijuana. Using the store container is an important first step in the safe storage of the product.

Labeling requirements

The Department of the Treasury requires that all marijuana products for recreational use display the symbol that appears here on the package. Teach your children not to eat or drink anything that displays this symbol on the package. Also, adults who can not read the ingredients on the label can interpret this symbol as a warning that the product contains marijuana. It is not required to use this symbol on the labels of medicinal marijuana products.

Pregnant

Marijuana use during pregnancy is dangerous and can have legal consequences.

In some hospitals, newborn drug screening tests are done. If your baby is tested positive for THC at birth, Colorado law requires hospitals to notify child protection services.

Talk to your doctor at the beginning of pregnancy about marijuana use and other safer alternatives, if you already used it, to mitigate nausea.

Taxes on marijuana

In November 2013, Colorado citizens voted and approved Proposition AA, which taxes the sale of non-medical marijuana with a 10 percent tax, in addition to the state standard sales tax rate of 2.9 percent. In addition, an indirect tax of 15 percent was added to the wholesale price of non-medical marijuana (among growers and stores).

These taxes do not apply to medical marijuana.

For more information about these taxes, consult the Colorado Department of the Treasury.