Navigating the cannabis purchasing laws in Colorado is straightforward once you know the rules! For both residents and visitors aged 21 and older with a valid ID, the recreational cannabis purchase limits are generally the same.
What’s important to understand is how these limits apply across different product types: flower, edibles, and concentrates.
Let’s break down exactly what you can legally purchase in a single day at a Colorado recreational dispensary.
Understanding the Equivalencies: Why It Matters
Colorado law sets limits based on “equivalency” to a certain amount of cannabis flower (traditionally, one ounce). This means that different product types are converted into their flower equivalent to ensure you don’t exceed the overall daily limit.
Here’s the general equivalency for recreational purchases:
- 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower is equivalent to:
- 8 grams of cannabis concentrates
- 800 mg of THC in cannabis edibles
This means you can mix and match these categories as long as their combined “flower equivalent” doesn’t exceed 28 grams (or 1 ounce).
Daily Purchase Limits by Product Type
Here’s a detailed look at the specific limits:
1. Cannabis Flower Purchase Limit: 28 Grams (1 Ounce)
Adults 21+ years or older with a valid, government-issued I.D. can purchase up to 28 grams (or 1 ounce) of cannabis flower.
Examples of what 28 grams might look like:
- Eight 3.5g (eighth-ounce) jars of different strains (e.g., Dank Milk, Jelly Tart, Yahemi, Georgia Pie, Gelatti Mints, and three more).
- One 28g pre-packaged ounce.
- Fifty-six 0.5g pre-rolls.
2. Cannabis Edible Purchase Limit: 800mg THC
Adults 21+ years or older with a valid I.D. can purchase up to a total of 800mg of THC in edibles. Keep in mind that individual edible servings are typically capped at 10mg THC per serving.
Examples of what 800mg THC might look like:
- Eight 100mg chocolate bars (each with ten 10mg servings).
- Eighty 10mg gummies.
- A mix of various edibles, as long as the total THC content does not exceed 800mg.
3. Cannabis Concentrate Purchase Limit: 8 Grams
Adults 21+ years or older with a valid I.D. can purchase up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrates. This includes products like:
- Live rosin
- Shatter
- Wax
- Vaporizer cartridges (typically 0.5g or 1g each)
- Live resin
- BHO
- Rosin
- Distillate
Examples of what 8 grams might look like:
- Eight 1-gram containers of live rosin.
- Sixteen 0.5-gram vaporizer cartridges.
- A combination of different concentrate types that totals 8 grams.
Important Considerations for Your Visit
Valid ID is Essential: Always have a current, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport) ready.
Public Consumption is Illegal: Remember, it is illegal to consume cannabis openly and publicly in Colorado. Consumption is generally limited to private residences or licensed cannabis consumption lounges (where available).
Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and carries penalties similar to alcohol DUIs.
Federal Land: Cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Do NOT bring cannabis onto federal lands, including national parks, forests, and ski resorts operating on federal land.
Out-of-State Travel: It is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines, even if both states have legalized it. Consume or dispose of any remaining cannabis before leaving Colorado.
We hope this comprehensive breakdown helps you understand Colorado’s cannabis purchasing laws and allows for a smooth and enjoyable experience!