If you’re planning a trip to Colorado, the best state in the US, experiencing our legal cannabis market might be on your itinerary. Since adult-use recreational cannabis stores launched in 2014, we've welcomed countless out-of-state visitors at Colorado Harvest Company.
Whether you're hitting the slopes, exploring the mountains, or just enjoying Denver's amazing food scene, navigating a new state’s marijuana laws can be a little confusing. To make your trip smooth and stress-free, we’ve rounded up the most common questions tourists ask our budtenders.
Do I need a Colorado ID or a medical card to buy weed?
No, you do not need a Colorado ID or a medical marijuana card to purchase recreational cannabis! As long as you are 21 years of age or older, you can buy from our recreational dispensaries.
You just need to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID. This includes:
- An out-of-state driver’s license
- A state ID card
- A physical passport (or passport card)
- Military or Veteran ID
Note: Dispensaries cannot accept expired IDs, digital or temporary paper IDs, or student IDs.
How much cannabis can a tourist buy at one time?
The purchase limits in Colorado are exactly the same for tourists and residents. Adults 21 and over can purchase up to 1 ounce of cannabis per day.
Because cannabis comes in many forms, the state uses an equivalency rule to break down that 1-ounce limit. You are legally allowed to purchase:
- Flower: 1 ounce (28 grams)
- Concentrates (vapes, wax, shatter): 8 grams
- Edibles: 800 milligrams of active THC
You can mix and match products. For example, you could buy a few grams of flower, a vape cart, and a pack of gummies. Do not worry about doing the math in your head, because our budtenders will gladly calculate your totals at the register to ensure you stay within the legal daily limit.
Where can I legally smoke or consume my cannabis?
This is one of the most important rules for visitors: Public consumption is illegal in Colorado. This means you cannot smoke, vape, or consume edibles in easily observed public spaces, including:
- Streets, sidewalks, and parks
- Outdoor concert venues (including Red Rocks)
- Restaurants, bars, and patios
- Federal lands (National Parks, National Forests, and most ski resorts)
Where CAN you consume?
- Private property: You can consume in a private home with the property owner's permission.
- 420-Friendly Rentals: Many private vacation rentals allow cannabis use, but you must explicitly confirm with the host first before booking.
- Hotels: Most hotels are strictly smoke-free. Ask the front desk about their policies. If smoking is banned in the rooms and courtyards, discrete options like edibles or tinctures are your safest bet.
Can I smoke in my rental car?
Absolutely not. It is illegal to consume cannabis in any motor vehicle, whether you are the driver or the passenger. Driving under the influence of cannabis is treated exactly the same as a drunk driving DUI.
Keep your purchased products sealed in their original packaging and safely stored in the trunk while driving. Additionally, smoking in a rental car will likely hit you with massive cleaning fees from the rental agency.
I have leftover weed, but I’m flying out of Denver International Airport (DIA) tomorrow. Can I take it with me?
No. You cannot cross state lines with cannabis, even if you are traveling to another state where marijuana is legal. Because cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, airports, airspace, and state borders fall under federal jurisdiction.
Do not bring cannabis to the airport. You must safely dispose of it before heading to DIA or driving out of the state.
Can I return a product if I do not like it?
By law, all cannabis sales are final. Dispensaries cannot accept returns on cannabis products. If you purchase a defective product, like a leaky vape cartridge, call the store immediately to ask about their replacement policy, but you cannot return a product simply because you did not enjoy the effects.
How do I pay for my cannabis? Can I use a credit card?
Due to federal banking regulations, dispensaries cannot process standard credit card transactions. At Colorado Harvest Company, we accept cash, CanPay (a secure mobile payment app for cannabis), and bank payments. We also have ATMs conveniently located in the lobbies of all our shops for you to withdraw cash. Be prepared to bring cash or use a debit card, and keep in mind that ATM fees may apply.
I am ready to shop! Where is Colorado Harvest Company located?
We have three conveniently located dispensaries across the Denver metro area, each offering an incredible selection of top flower, edibles, and concentrates:
Denver Green Mile (1568 S Broadway): Located in the heart of Denver's famous Green Mile, we were one of the first dispensaries to open for recreational sales here in 2014, and we remain a top destination.
Denver Ruby Hill (1178 S Kalamath St): Established in 2009 as our first dispensary, our Ruby Hill location offers a more intimate shopping vibe while still carrying a huge selection of premium brands.
Aurora (11002 E Yale Ave): Our largest dispensary! This massive space features quick online pickup, local art, and even a fun vintage VW bus right on the sales floor.
Our friendly budtenders love answering questions and helping out-of-towners find the perfect products for their vacation. Stop by any of our locations, say hello, and let us elevate your Colorado experience!
Here are some cannabis friendly hotels if you are interested.