Current Colorado law states that you must be 21 years of age to purchase adult-use marijuana or partake in marijuana-friendly experiences. It is legal for adults to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana at a time and you have to be IN Colorado. (Residency not required)
How you can make a legal purchase?
The only place you can legally buy marijuana is at a licensed dispensary which there are around 500 adult-use locations across the state of Colorado.
You will be asked to present a valid driver’s license or state ID in order to make a purchase.
The approved retail shops offer lots of different items and products such as flowers and concentrates to edibles and drinks. All retail locations are staffed by licensed “Budtenders” who can help and recommend the right products for you.
“The biggest killer on the planet is stress, and I still think the best medicine is and always has been cannabis.”
Willie Nelson
Consuming In A Responsible Manner
Marijuana products containing THC must stay in Colorado. It can not travel to another state via plane/car even if that state is also a Marijuana legal state as it is still federally illegal. If you are leaving and still have leftovers please dispose of the product responsibly.
While visiting Colorado please consume respectfully and follow all laws and be mindful of others.
- Check local laws
- Ask hotel staff or policies regarding marijuana consumption on the property (May not allow at all and possibly edibles would be a better option in this situation.
- Book a private vacation rental. Most Colorado properties will state if they are “420” friendly or not. Do not assume that all properties are ok with it.
- Stay with family or friends
- Visit a licensed hospitality business (Ask a budtender on these establishments)
Do not use on Federal lands such as parks, monuments, and ski resorts. Hiking and biking trails are also part of federal land.
Do not consume in public/outdoor spaces. Colorado laws prevent the consumption of marijuana in a manner that is easily observed by other members of the public. i.e. Parks, concert venues, sporting arenas, and building common areas. Some businesses may offer patios or other outdoor areas for legal consumption.
Do not partake in a car. Consuming marijuana and driving will be treated just like drinking and driving as it impairs your ability to operate machinery of any kind. It is not safe nor legal and smoking in a rental car could rack up big fines.
Driving “high” can lead to a DUI or other legal repercussions
Consume responsibly and safely by waiting the recommended 6 hours after smoking to get behind the wheel of a car. If you have consumed edibles wait 8 hours. Treat as open container law whereas even passengers can not consume while in the vehicle. Make sure everything you purchase is sealed and unopened on the way from a dispensary. A common practice is to put the items in the trunk until you reach your destination.
DON’T RUIN YOUR VACATION WITH A BAD DECISION.
Making sure your health and medications pair with Marijuana
If you are planning on coming to Colorado and indulging in Marijuana, please consider asking your doctor for advice on sampling THC goodies.
If you aren’t comfortable asking your doctor for advice on this, you can contact a friendly Colorado pharmacist or call Leaf411- (1-844-leaf-411)
Dosages to start out with consuming Marijuana
Everybody responds to THC differently, so the rule of thumb is to start low. Even if you have smoked marijuana before and know your way around cannabis dispensary staff usually recommends starting out with 2.5-5mg of any edibles at first.
It is very easy to overconsume with edibles even if not intentional. It is recommended to wait at least 5 hours before consuming additional pieces.
It is harder to gauge the potency when smoking marijuana. It can vary between strains so listen to your body and remember that others may have a higher or lower tolerance than you.
Age, weight, and higher elevations can contribute to this factor. Always read labels on products for recommended dosage.
How to know if you’ve had too much
There is no known overdose of marijuana but using too much can be a not-so-fun experience as well as lead to a hospital visit.
Know the signs of overconsumption.
- Extreme confusion
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Panic
- Fast heart rate
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Increased blood pressure
- Vomiting or severe nausea
If you feel that have overdone it please call the American Association of Poison Control Centers @ 1-800-222-1222 (There are no legal repercussions for calling)
Do not mix marijuana with other substances
One of the best ways to enjoy marijuana is to stick with just marijuana, meaning do not mix it with other substances including alcohol. You can responsibly check out some of Colorado’s delicious craft beers another time.
