It’s no mystery that marijuana laws throughout the United States are often confusing. Marijuana is a federally illegal substance, yet most states have MMJ programs. Moreover, many locations now allow adults aged 21+ to purchase weed without a medical marijuana card.
Also, it is a federal crime to transport cannabis across state lines. This remains the case even if you travel from one state with recreational marijuana to another.
Regarding marijuana in Colorado, one would assume that the rules are simple. After all, the Centennial State has allowed recreational cannabis for around a decade. The thing is, apart from dealing with state laws, consumers must also remain up to date with local regulations.
This article outlines the state of play in Colorado, highlighting a surprising gap between how the plant is perceived in different parts of the state.
When Did Colorado Legalize Marijuana?
Colorado was among the first states in America to legalize medical marijuana. Voters said ‘yes’ to Amendment 20 in 2000. It seemed a question of ‘if’ rather than when regarding adult-use weed. The most interesting aspect of the equation was whether any other state would beat CO to the punch.
Technically, Washington State achieved this aim by a narrow margin. Nonetheless, marijuana advocates rejoiced in November 2012 when recreational weed became legal in Colorado. However, residents had to wait until January 2014 for legal sales to begin.
Yet, it’s still worth your while getting a Colorado MMJ card online despite the existence of adult-use cannabis. Your card entitles you to an impressive allowance of two ounces per purchase, NOT per month. Therefore, you could theoretically buy two ounces per day.
Also, as a medical marijuana cardholder, you avoid paying a sales tax of 15%. Furthermore, some dispensaries sell more potent products to MMJ patients than recreational users. Finally, having a card lets you buy weed if you’re 20 or under. A minor can apply for an MMJ card with the permission of a parent or legal guardian.
What Are Colorado’s Cannabis Laws?
As you might expect, CO is rather lenient when it comes to marijuana purchasing. All adults aged 21+ can buy and possess up to two ounces. If you’re caught with over two ounces, you could receive a $100 fine. Possession of 6+ ounces is a misdemeanor, with a possible jail term ranging from three months to 364 days.
There are harsher punishments for the illegal sale of weed. The sale of any amount without the right licensing is a misdemeanor. You could spend between 6 and 18 months in jail if convicted.
Anyone caught selling over four ounces strays into felony territory. In this case, a prison term of up to two years is possible, along with a fine of up to $100,000.
Predictably, research shows that Colorado’s rules have resulted in a huge decrease in the number of marijuana-related arrests since legalization.
Is Marijuana Legal Everywhere in Colorado?
Incredibly, the answer is ‘no.’ The state has 64 counties, and some have elected to avoid the green revolution. It seems as if the east of the state has the biggest issue with legalization. Aspen, yes, Weld counties no.
You may find that cities and towns within Bent, Delta, Lincoln, and Weld counties prohibit the sale and use of marijuana. The biggest clue you’re in one of these locations is a lack of licensed dispensaries.
Some tiny towns, such as Hooper in the San Luis Valley, have voted against the sale of marijuana. For the record, Hooper has a population of under 100! Therefore, although recreational cannabis is legal on a state level, this doesn’t necessarily hold in certain countries and towns.
Final Thoughts on Colorado’s Mysterious Marijuana Laws
Medical and recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, and the state has an incredible number of dispensaries. As an MMJ cardholder, you can purchase a significant volume of weed.
Yet, it is possible that you live in a part of CO that has never legalized medical marijuana, let alone recreational cannabis. Should you happen to live in such a region, you had best exercise caution. You could still be arrested and charged with a crime by local law enforcement for an activity legally enjoyed by a huge number of Colorado residents, not to mention tourists!
