What Every Colorado Resident Needs to Know About Marijuana

So now that we have had the legalized marijuana law in our state for a while, the State of Colorado has an official "Website for Retail Marijuana Information & Resources." I was poking around the site, because I have a friend who uses pot, and found some information that every Colorado resident should know:

How old do I have to be to purchase, possess or consume marijuana?

You must be 21 years old to purchase, possess, or use retail marijuana or marijuana products. It is illegal to give or sell retail marijuana to minors.

Where can I purchase marijuana or other marijuana products?

You can purchase marijuana and related products at licensed retailers approved by the Colorado Department of Revenue and the local municipality. You must present a valid Colorado ID proving you are 21 years old, so be prepared.

How much can I purchase from a marijuana retailer?

Colorado residents 21 years and older can purchase as much as 1 ounce of retail marijuana at a time. Non-residents can purchase 1/4 ounce.

Can I smoke or consume pot brownies while in the park with my friends?

Not in Colorado. The law bans all public use of any marijuana product, not just smoking. This means it is illegal to use marijuana in amusement, sporting or music venues, and in parks, playgrounds, sidewalks and roads, marijuana retail businesses and outdoor and rooftop cafes, just to name a few.

So where can I use marijuana?

Private property is your best bet; but again, there could be issues here. Property owners are allowed to ban the use and possession of marijuana on their properties; so if you rent, you may not be able to use marijuana in your home. When using marijuana in your home, keep in mind secondhand smoke, whether from tobacco or marijuana, can be dangerous. Make your home smoke-free to limit your loved ones’ exposure to secondhand smoke.

How much marijuana can I possess or carry around with me?

Adults ages 21 years and older can possess or carry as much as 1 ounce of retail marijuana at a time. Just don’t try to use it in public! Remember, this is one of those areas where some cities are stricter, so be sure you learn what your local government allows.

Can I use while I am cruising around town?

Marijuana is regulated just like alcohol, so think of it like an open container law. Neither drivers nor passengers are allowed to open the marijuana packaging and use the product while in the car.

Can I get a DUI for driving while stoned?

Yes. Colorado passed a law in 2013 that makes it illegal to drive with more than 5 nanograms of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (the psychoactive THC) in your blood.

Can I grow my own product?

Adults over age 21 can purchase, possess, grow and transport as many as 6 marijuana plants in an enclosed and locked space, as long as it is not displayed in public and not sold. Only three of the plants can be mature at any one time. If the home has residents under the age of 21, the grow area must be enclosed and locked in a separate space that the minors cannot access.

Can I sell my own product?

Adults over age 21 can give as much as an ounce of marijuana to another adult over age 21, but cannot sell it. This includes the product you grow yourself. Only licensed growers can sell their product.

Can I take marijuana out of state?

No. It is illegal to leave Colorado with any marijuana products. Additionally, Denver International Airport has chosen to ban the possession, use, display and transfer (giving to another person) of all marijuana on its property.