COLORADO MARIJUANA LAWS SIMPLIFIED
AN INSIDE LOOK AT LEGAL WEED IN COLORADO
Written by: Dr. Fatty Greenstone, Bm.F
The passage of Colorado Amendment 64, which legalized recreational use of Marijuana in the state of Colorado, has left some residents and many non-residents alike wondering what exactly the rules are now regarding pot and its consumption. Colorado is on the threshold of another major marijuana milestone as the rules regarding retail sales of Cannabis have finally been handed down by the State Government, and over 100 retail outlets for recreational Marijuana will be open for business statewide January 1, 2014. I live in Colorado and have been following the movement and the evolution of this revolution closely. As such, I am in a position to enlighten and delight my fellow smokers and activists with the following simple breakdown of the laws, rules and regulations:
ADULTS ONLY
In order to buy, possess, or ingest any Cannabis product legally an individual must be at least 21 years of age.
INDOOR ACTIVITY
It remains illegal to consume Marijuana in public. The penalties if you get caught are similar to those regarding public consumption of alcohol. You will be ticketed, fined, and generally bummed out in a courtroom. Get high before you go out.
FAT SACK
Possession of up to a full ounce (28.35g) of marijuana is legal for residents and non-residents alike. No, you can’t carry around a Hefty bag or a backpack stuffed full of weed like you’ve always dreamed of doing, but you can have a pretty impressive sack of kind buds on your person without interference from Johnny Law.
SCORING
It is legal for any adult to bestow a gift of Cannabis on any other adult, so long as there is no monetary exchange involved. The only people who can legally sell marijuana are licensed distributors who do so from the comfort of their already-established medical marijuana dispensary storefronts. Be aware, only a handful of dispensaries per town are licensed to sell recreational pot, while the rest can and will only sell to medical cardholders. There are different rules for residents and non-residents when it comes to purchasing recreational cannabis. Residents with valid ID can purchase up to ONE OUNCE of Marijuana (in addition to edibles and tinctures) per visit to a dispensary. Non-residents are limited to purchasing a maximum of ¼ oz. per visit, in addition to edibles and the like. Everyone can expect that any and all transactions will be videotaped, and valid ID must be presented to purchase Cannabis products.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
The state laws regarding driving under the influence of Marijuana are currently in flux and being challenged as being too arbitrary (and scientifically inaccurate as to how impairment is measured), but as it stands juries can presume drivers are too stoned to drive if their blood contains more than 5 nanograms per milliliter of THC. DUI penalties are severe and can include thousands of dollars in fines, loss or suspension of driving privileges, mandatory counseling, reporting and testing (all paid for by the offender), as well as jail time. Fair or not, the current law is what it is until such time as it changes. Thus, responsible Cannabis users should choose to seek out alternatives to driving while stoned, because man, it just ain’t worth it!
ROOM FOR GROWTH
Residents can legally grow up to six plants at home, so long as only 3 are in bloom at a time. The variable yield from these plants is legal to possess, but only for personal consumption.
WHAT ABOUT HASH BARS AND CLUBS?
The simple answer is: not yet. There is plenty of interest and investment in making a “New Amsterdam” kind of experience available in some Colorado towns, but this concept remains in its infancy for now. There are some clubs that allow people to bring in their own buds and smoke in their establishments, but they cannot sell you any type of Cannabis. Marijuana for sale is a “dispensary only” reality at this point.
YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU
What happens here should actually stay here. In other words, while in Colorado indulge to your heart’s delight in all the weed, hash and edibles your mind and body can handle if that is your wish, but keep in mind: The laws surrounding marijuana use and possession begin and end at the state line. Each of the states that share a border with Colorado (Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming) still prohibit the use and possession of marijuana to varying degrees of lawful punishment (some of which are EXTREME). If you travel to and from colorado by car, know this: The law enforcement agencies of these neighbor states have already begun to initiate strict border patrol to keep Colorado’s weed out. It sounds like a bummer, but seriously, don’t try to take it with you. Trafficking is a major offense in all of these states as well as under federal law, and, unfortunately, even an overlooked roach or some flaky shake in your car can land you in hot water. The savvy marijuana traveler will take great care in avoiding the whole “come for vacation, leave on probation” experience when crossing state lines.
WHAT’S NEXT?
It is an exciting time in Colorado history as lawmakers have been forced to bend to the will of the people. We Coloradans anticipate a serious upturn in tourism as stoners and the curious travel from all over the world to explore the Rocky Mountain High. Awareness of and willingness to follow the laws and rules surrounding Cannabis is critical for residents and non-residents alike. Making the effort to abide within the guidelines of this hard-won freedom is important! Breaking and bending the laws are the fastest means to crippling the movement. The world is watching, so please: Smoke smart, smoke friendly, and most importantly, smoke free!
COLORADO MARIJUANA LAW LINKS
– Permanent Rules Related to the Colorado Retail Marijuana Code [1 CCR 212-2]
– Retail Marijuana Use Within the City of Denver
– Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry Home Page
– Colorado State Retail Marijuana Licensing Information
– Retail Marijuana Business License Application [DR 8548]
– Key Associated Person – only necessary for Lab Applicants [DR 8520]
– Bond Form [DR 8519]
– Check List for Application Submission
BUD SAYS: Dr. Fatty is a peaceful warrior and devout advocate for personal liberty and “higher” thinking. He currently resides in southwest Colorado where he can actively pursue both.
