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Marijuana Laws

In 2014, the state of Colorado entered the national spotlight when, along with Washington state, marijuana became legal. Well, mostly. Although many around the nation are looking at Denver as an American Amsterdam, the fact is that legalization did not open the door to wanton use. There are still restrictions related to marijuana, primarily to quantities and means of transfer between individuals.

Years later, there still exists a lot of confusion about marijuana laws in Colorado. This is in part because the laws are very complex. They are complex because of the myriad of other laws related and impacting the legalization. That is why if arrested on charges related to marijuana, although the penalties may seem light, problems could arise. It is still best to seek legal representation that understands the complexities of the Colorado pot laws.

Denver Marijuana Defense Attorney, CO

Colorado has been one of the leading states in marijuana law reform in the nation. Marijuana has been legal and decriminalized in the state for over 5 years and many Coloradoans embraced the change. However, the state of Colorado still has rules and regulations for marijuana consumption. Violation of these rules can result in criminal charges. If you’ve been arrested or accused of violating marijuana consumption, manufacturing, or sale laws, then it’s within your best interest to get in contact with Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C..

Colorado marijuana defense attorney Matthew Martin has studied the changes in marijuana law since the very beginning. He can utilize his knowledge to help you if you were unaware of the changing, and sometimes confusing, marijuana and drug laws in Colorado. Set up your first consultation with him today by calling his office at (303) 725-0017.

Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. accepts clients throughout the greater Denver area and surrounding counties including Douglas County, Broomfield County, Adams County, Arapahoe County, Jefferson County, and Boulder County.

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Is Marijuana Completely Legal in Colorado?

Yes, both adult-use recreational and medical marijuana are legal in the state of Colorado. The Colorado Marijuana Legalization Amendment was approved by voters in November of 2012. When the legislation was enacted, it allowed all adults 21 and over to use cannabis recreationally without fear of an arrest. The rules and regulations for marijuana usage as well as established sales and cultivation taxes can be found under Colorado’s constitution article XVIII, section 16.

Recreational and medical use of marijuana may be legal in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. The state of Colorado doesn’t allow residents or tourists to consume cannabis in public. Ever. Even if it’s a vape or an edible where there isn’t a strong odor. In addition to these rules, the state of Colorado limits the amount a person can buy or sell at one time. Failure to follow these rules and regulations can result in an arrest and criminal charges.


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Colorado Weed Possession Laws

Although smoking marijuana is legal in the state of Colorado, regulations still exist surrounding how much a person can possess at one time. Firstly, you can only purchase cannabis from a retail marijuana dispensary or store with a valid license. You must also be 21 or over the age to purchase cannabis and can possess up to one ounce at a time. Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana will result in an arrest and criminal charges.

Listed below are the penalties for possessing more than one ounce of marijuana in public.

  • More than 1 ounce and up to 2 ounces:
    • Petty drug offense: punishable by a fine not to exceed $100
  • More than 2 ounces and up to 6 ounces:
    • Level 2 drug misdemeanor: punishable by up to 12 months in jail as well as a fine of up to $1,000
  • More than 6 ounces or up to 3 ounces of THC concentrates:
    • Level 1 drug misdemeanor: punishable by up to 18 months in jail as well as a fine ranging up to $5,000

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What Are the Penalties for Selling Weed Illegally in Colorado?

Cannabis may be legal recreationally in Colorado, but the state does not allow just anyone to sell marijuana or marijuana products. Only licensed retailers who have gone through the trials and tribulations of opening up a business legally can sell cannabis. Adults over the age of 21 are allowed to give up to one ounce of marijuana to another adult 21 or older.

It’s also illegal to publicly use or “display” marijuana in the state of Colorado. That means one cannot consume cannabis in public or store their marijuana plants where the public can see them. Violation of either of these laws can result in criminal charges.

Listed below are the penalties for illegally selling or transferring cannabis in Colorado.

  • Under 4 ounces:
    • Level 1 drug misdemeanor: punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000
  • Between 4 ounces and 12 ounces:
    • Level 4 drug felony: punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $100,000
  • Between 12 ounces and 5 pounds:
    • Level 3 drug felony: punishable by up to 4 years in jail and a fine of up to $500,000
  • Between 5 pounds and 50 pounds:
    • Level 2 drug felony: punishable by up to 8 years in jail and a fine of up to $750,000
  • Over 50 pounds:
    • Level 1 drug felony: punishable by up to 32 years in jail and a $1 million fine.
  • Display of less than 2 ounces:
    • Class 2 petty drug offense: punishable by up to 15 days in jail and a $100 fine.
  • Display of more than 2 ounces:
    • Class 2 misdemeanor: punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine ranging up to $5,000.
  • Between 1 ounce and 6 ounces to a minor:
    • Level 3 drug felony: punishable by up to 4 years in jail and a fine of up to $500,000
  • Between 3 ounces and 2.5 pounds to a minor:
    • Level 2 drug felony: punishable by up to 32 years in jail as well as a fine ranging up to $750,000
  • Over 2.5 pounds to a minor:
    • Level 1 drug felony: punishable by up to 32 years in jail and a $1 million fine.

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Additional Resources

Laws on Marijuana Use in Colorado – Visit the official website for the state of Colorado to learn more about their rules and regulations regarding cannabis. Access the site to learn more about the various point-of-sale regulations, pregnant women restrictions, information regarding taxes, and other various valuable resources.

Marijuana Enforcement Division | CDOR – Visit the official website for the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) to learn more about their mission to promote public safety and reduce harm by regulating the marijuana industry. Access the site to learn how you can legally sell marijuana, the forms needed to start a business, rules for doing so, and other information.


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Denver Lawyer for Marijuana Crimes | Colorado Marijuana Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been arrested for violating marijuana laws, it’s important you consult with Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C.. Matthew Martin has an in-depth understanding of marijuana law, including its intricacies regarding business compliance. His knowledge plus his 28 years of diverse trial experience can be utilized for your case so you face the best possible outcome.

Call (303) 725-0017 to set up your first consultation with Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C.. Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. accepts clients throughout the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding counties including Douglas County, Boulder County, Jefferson County, Adamas County, and Arapahoe County.


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