Welcome to Denver! If you're visiting the Mile High City and planning to stop by Colorado Harvest Company, we're thrilled to show you the best of what our local cannabis culture has to offer. But before you browse our flower bar or pick up your favorite edibles, it is crucial to understand the rules of the road.
Colorado’s recreational cannabis laws have evolved since initial legalization, and keeping up with the 2026 regulations ensures your trip remains fun, safe, and entirely legal.
Here are the top questions people ask us about buying, carrying, and using cannabis in Colorado.
Who can buy recreational cannabis?
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess, or consume retail cannabis in Colorado. It is illegal to give, sell, or share cannabis with anyone under 21. You will need to present a valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) proving your age before you can even enter the restricted shopping portion of our dispensary.
How much can I buy and possess?
- Purchasing: Adults 21 and older can buy up to 1 ounce of retail cannabis at a time from a licensed store like Colorado Harvest Company.
- Possession: While you can only buy 1 ounce at a time, you are legally allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis at any given time. Possessing more than 2 ounces can result in legal charges and fines.
Where can I actually consume it?
This is the most common point of confusion for visitors. Public consumption of any kind is illegal.
You cannot smoke, eat, or vape cannabis in public places, which includes:
- Sidewalks and streets
- Parks and amusement parks
- Concert venues
- Restaurants, cafes, or bars
- Common areas of hotels, apartment buildings, or condominiums
Where can you consume? Private property is your best and safest bet. However, keep in mind that property owners and hotel management reserve the right to ban the use and possession of cannabis on their premises. Always check the specific rules of your hotel or vacation rental before your stay.
See our post on cannabis friendly hotels in Denver & Colorado.
You can also find cannabis lounges here.
Can I bring cannabis to the mountains or national parks?
No. Because cannabis remains illegal under federal law, you cannot possess or consume it on federal land. This includes national parks, national forests, and federal monuments. Since many of Colorado's famous ski resorts operate on leased federal land, bringing your stash to the ski slopes is strictly prohibited.
What should I know about packaging?
When you buy from Colorado Harvest Company, your products will come in packaging that is resealable, child-resistant, and opaque (not see-through). We highly recommend keeping your cannabis stored in this original packaging while traveling around the state.
Additionally, all retail cannabis products in Colorado must feature the universal THC symbol (a red-outlined diamond with a red exclamation point and "THC"). This label is an easy way to identify that a product contains cannabis, which is especially helpful for preventing accidental consumption by children or pets.
Can I take my leftover cannabis home with me?
No. It is illegal to take cannabis across state lines, even if you are traveling to another state where recreational use is legal. You also cannot take it through TSA security at Denver International Airport. Be sure to purchase only what you plan to consume during your stay, or safely dispose of any leftovers before you head to the airport.
Colorado Recreational Cannabis FAQ
When did Colorado legalize weed?
Colorado made history when voters passed Amendment 64 in November 2012, legalizing recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older. The state’s first legal retail dispensaries officially opened their doors on January 1, 2014. Colorado Harvest Company was one of them!
Do dispensaries deliver in Denver?
Yes, recreational cannabis delivery is legal in Denver and Aurora—but there is a catch for out-of-state visitors. By law, deliveries can only be made to private residential addresses. Dispensaries cannot deliver to hotels, motels, college dorms, or commercial businesses. If you are staying at a hotel, you will need to shop at a dispensary in person.
Can you use a military ID at a dispensary in Colorado?
Yes! As long as you are 21 or older, a valid United States military identification card is legally accepted. Other approved forms of ID include a valid state-issued driver's license or ID card, a passport, or an enrollment card from a federally recognized Native American Tribe.
How can I get a medical weed card in Colorado?
To apply for a Colorado Medical Marijuana (MMJ) registry card, you must be a current Colorado resident with a qualifying medical condition and a recommendation from a licensed Colorado physician. Out-of-state visitors cannot apply for a Colorado medical card, but any adult 21 and older is fully welcome to shop the recreational side of the dispensary.
How many weed plants can you grow in Colorado?
While this applies to residents rather than short-term visitors, Colorado adults 21 and older can legally grow up to 6 cannabis plants per person (with no more than 3 mature, flowering plants at a time). However, state law strictly caps this at 12 plants maximum per residence, regardless of how many adults live in the home. All plants must be kept in an enclosed, locked area that is not visible to the public.
For the complete and most up-to-date details on state regulations, please visit the official State of Colorado resource: Laws About Cannabis Use.
Enjoy your time in Denver, consume responsibly, and we look forward to seeing you at Colorado Harvest Company!