Laws in CO: Is It Legal to Grow Cannabis in Colorado?

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains lies a state that has embraced a green revolution, both literally and figuratively. Colorado, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, has also become a trailblazer in the realm of cannabis cultivation. As the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, Colorado has empowered its residents to explore the art of homegrown cannabis cultivation. In this article, we will take about the laws of Colorado cannabis, and celebrate the freedom for individuals to cultivate their own plants.

Is Marijuana Legal in Colorado?

Recreational Marijuana

Ever since Amendment 64 passed in 2012, Colorado'Colorado has legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. You can buy and keep up to one ounce of marijuana on hand legally.

Medical Marijuana

If you've got a medical marijuana card in Colorado, you can stash more than 2 ounces for your medical needs. Just remember, going over these limits could land you in some legal trouble and cost you some fines.

Can You Grow Weed in Colorado?

Number of Plants Allowed

In Colorado, residents have the green light to grow their own marijuana, but there are some rules to follow depending on the counties/municipalities you live. Generally, anyone over 21 can cultivate up to 6 plants per household, but only 3 of them can be flowering at any given time.

Growing Marijuana Safely at Home in Colorado

Personally grown cannabis or cannabis products cannot be sold.
Marijuana plants must be in an enclosed, locked area, not open to public viewing and inaccessible to minors.
Check all lights and other equipment to prevent fire hazards.
Ensure the growing space has adequate ventilation to remove excess heat and moisture.
Avoid using pesticides or chemical fertilizers whenever possible. An environmentally-friendly DWC system could help to stay away from pests and mold.
Only use a CO2 generator that is safe for indoor use.
Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, solvents, and mercury-containing lighting fixtures should be disposed of at household hazardous waste collection facilities.
Discarded cannabis plants or edibles need to be ground up and mixed with food waste or soil to avoid accidental consumption or use.

During the first few weeks of flowering, anticipate a vertical stretch in your plant's height, often nearly doubling its size. This is the time when managing the canopy and branches becomes crucial, as you'll want to prevent the plant from getting too close to the light source. The SCROG method is a great training technique to employ at this point. (Hey abby grow box features a Burn-Proof Mode, to protect flowers from burning automatically through built-in sensors)

growing weed in colorado with Hey abby grow box

Image via Hey abby grower @VolJoe07

Start your growing journey with Hey abby's indoor grow cabinet! Experience easy, mess-free and discreet cultivation – no assembly needed, just plug and play. With our 1-on-1 expert guidance throughout your grow cycle and automated sensor array adjusting conditions at each stage, even beginners can effortlessly cultivate fresh buds.

Can You Sell Home-Grown Marijuana?

In Colorado, selling homegrown marijuana without the required licenses is illegal. Individuals must obtain licenses from the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) and adhere to strict regulations to sell marijuana legally. Failure to comply can lead to fines, criminal charges, and loss of cultivation rights.

Can You Smoke Weed in Public in Colorado?

Whether you're consuming cannabis for fun or for medical reasons, remember you can't puff away in public spaces in Colorado. That means no toking up on streets, parks, sidewalks, or anywhere else that's public. Stay chill and keep it legal by using cannabis responsibly and sticking to the rules.

How Much Weed Can You Buy in Colorado?

For recreational users in Colorado, the legal limit is up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana per transaction. Medical marijuana patients, however, can purchase up to 2 ounces (56 grams) or its equivalent in other marijuana products within a two-week period. These limits apply to purchases from licensed dispensaries and may vary for certain products or individuals with medical needs.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Colorado?

To apply for a Colorado Medical Marijuana ID Card, you must be a resident of Colorado aged 18 or older. If you're under 18, you can apply with parental consent and a diagnosis from two doctors, provided you have a qualifying debilitating medical condition.

Application documents that need completion and sent to the Registrar's Office via registered mail or drop box include:

Medical Marijuana Application Form
Medical Marijuana Physician Certification
ID card or proof of residency exemption
Check or money order for $15

Other Penalties

An adult 21 years of age or older may give up to 2 ounces of marijuana to another adult 21 years of age or older.
Marijuana use during pregnancy may have legal consequences.
Drivers with 5 ng/ml of delta-9 THC in whole blood will be prosecuted.
Neither drivers nor passengers are allowed to open any cannabis packaging and use the product in the vehicle.
It is a violation of federal law to take any marijuana product out of the state, as well as to use marijuana on federal lands.