Cannabis has been legal in Colorado since 2000 for medical patients. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use. Since then, there have been countless changes to the rules and regulations on what constitutes a responsible purchase limit for consumers. 

While cannabis is still relatively new and more and more research is done, these regulations keep changing. For example, House Bill 1317 went into effect on January 1st of 2022, reducing the purchasing limits for younger medical patients.

Cannabis tourism has understandably grown tremendously over the past decade, with thousands and thousands of people visiting Colorado and other legal states for cannabis. While we welcome these travelers with open arms, it is important that everyone recognizes and respects the legal limits in place. Any dispensary worth their salt will inform newcomers and veterans alike on purchase limits, but it never hurts to keep yourself informed. This guide will give you the latest information so that you stay within the good graces of the State of Colorado and our governor Jared Polis. Let’s get into it!

Colorado Recreational Cannabis Purchase Limit

In order to purchase recreational cannabis in Colorado, you must be at least 21 years of age. There are plenty of recreational dispensaries in Colorado, and even for out of state visitors, it is as easy as walking into a licensed dispensary and providing identification to verify your age. Let’s go over some of the limits for personal use!

Purchase Limits

• 1 ounce of cannabis flower
• 8 grams of cannabis concentrate
• 800 mg of cannabis edibles
• A total of 2 ounces of cannabis is allowed in possession

For home growers, there are also regulations in place. Recreational users can grow up to 6 marijuana plants per person, with no more than 3 in the flowering stage at any given time. A maximum of 12 total plants are allowed per residence, regardless of the number of adults in a residence.

Colorado Medical Cannabis Purchase Limit

Medical patients have less stringent limits on their purchasing patterns as they have demonstrated a need to medical professionals. While afforded a few more liberties, there are still some restrictions placed on medical patients, especially those under the age of 21.

Purchase Limits

• 2 ounces of cannabis flower
• 8 grams of cannabis concentrate for ages 21+ medical patients
• 2 grams of concentrate for ages 18-20 medical patients
• 20,000 mg of cannabis edibles
• A total of 2 ounces of cannabis is allowed in possession

Similarly to recreational users, medical patients are limited to the same limits as recreational users when it comes to home grows and purchasing limits. However, in extenuating circumstances, medical patients may apply for an Extended Plant Count. This special license allows patients to buy more than 2 ounces of cannabis or grow more than 12 plants on a case-by-case basis, if there is a medically recognized reason.

Colorado Identification Guidelines for Purchasing Cannabis

Another important point to remember is your identification. In order to purchase certain quantities as a medical patient or to purchase cannabis recreationally, you must provide official identification proving that you are at least 21 years of age.

An individual’s identification card must include:

• Individual’s Full Name
• Photo of the Individual
• Current Address
• Expiration Date (cannot expired)
• Birthdate which indicates an age of 21 or older for recreational purposes
• Good condition of the identification article (ID should have no cracks, chips, damage, or inability to read essential information)
• Security formatting associated with that particular form of identification (seal, watermark, logo, paper type, etc.)

Types of valid ID that are accepted include:

• State Issues Driver’s License
• Passport Book
• Passport Card
• Active Military valid ID (with picture and birthdate)
• Colorado Native-American Tribe Card
• Colorado Temporary Driver’s License paperwork with voided Driver’s License

Cannabis is a constantly changing industry, with thousands of growers, consumers, regulators, and researchers all involved. Naturally, as we gain more and more knowledge about this incredible plant, our understanding of safe and responsible limits, doses, and mediums will improve. It is important to note that within Colorado, there may be additional city, county, school, and private business laws dictating the amounts of cannabis allowed to an individual based on their location. With that being said, the general limits in place in Colorado today are quite liberal, allowing you to sample all the goodies Colorado has to offer. Cheers to a safe cannabis experience!