Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Colorado law
Cannabis laws in Denver follow Colorado’s state law. Local variations are uncommon—jurisdiction law sets the baseline for legality and penalties.
Recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older under state law. Medical cannabis is available with registration. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, so legal risk may still exist in certain contexts. Possession up to 28 grams is permitted.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Legal (adults 21+)
- Medical: Available
- Possession: Up to 28g permitted under state law
- Buying/Selling: Legal from licensed retailers
- Tourists: Subject to same rules; federal risks remain
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Legislative History
Colorado became one of the first U.S. states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012 via Amendment 64, permitting adults 21+ to possess up to one ounce (28 grams), cultivate up to six plants (three mature), and purchase from licensed retailers. Medical cannabis was legalized earlier in 2000 through Amendment 20, establishing a patient registry system.
Law Enforcement
Mayor John Hickenlooper described simple possession as a low priority. Over thirty years of smoking, one local recalled three stops involving well under an ounce. Two officers dumped the bag. A ticket over a plant was later dismissed. Another driver, nervous after half a joint and a couple of beers with friends, was told about a broken headlight and an off-centre beam, then sent on their way. That same driver had once had to go to court just to show a signed registration. There was a suspicion that a lot of Coloradans, police included, smoked too.
North Denver and Lakewood felt easiergoing than Highlands Ranch, Aurora or Parker. In Denver somebody still had to watch for a traffic stop. At a Motel 6, a task force mistook travellers for fugitives and reportedly found two half-pound bags. That case ended with a US$75 fine and US$75 in costs. Colorado has since changed its adult-use rules, as covered in Marijuana Laws.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Civic Center Park, west of Broadway between Colfax and 14th Avenue Parkway, was the daytime spot. During a festival the routine changed, and after dark there were more ripoffs. Different groups gathered nearer Colfax and 14th. Dimes and twenties changed hands quickly, mostly for ordinary Mexican weed.
Police made occasional sweeps, with fines around US$100 in the account. A squad car parked during a school group’s Capitol visit could bring everything to a halt for about fifteen minutes. There was particular worry for sellers who might face immigration consequences. At the 16th Street Mall, one longtime local saw other drugs for sale but seldom marijuana.
Marijuana Prices
- Kind bud or dank: US$50 for an eighth or US$90 for a quarter
- Mexican brick or schwag: around US$50 for an ounce or US$30 for a quarter in a separate account
Types of Marijuana
Good Denver homegrown was worth looking out for. Schwag was inexpensive and common. Some bags passed off as dank were just ordinary weed with a higher price.