Last verified: March 2026
Home Cultivation Rules
Under Amendment 64, Colorado adults 21 and older may cultivate cannabis plants at their primary residence. The rules are straightforward but strictly enforced:
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Plants per adult (21+) | 6 total, 3 mature (flowering) |
| Plants per household | 12 total, 6 mature (regardless of number of adults) |
| Location | Enclosed, locked space — not visible from public view |
| Harvest possession | May possess any amount produced by legal plants at the grow location |
| Sales | Prohibited without a license |
Enclosed, Locked Space Requirement
Colorado law requires that home cultivation occur in an enclosed, locked space that is not open or accessible to persons under 21. This can be a locked room, closet, basement, greenhouse, or grow tent with a lock. The plants must not be visible to the public without the use of binoculars or other optical aids.
Household Cap: 12 Plants Maximum
Even if three or more adults live in a household, the total cannot exceed 12 plants with 6 mature. This per-household cap prevents residential grow operations. Some municipalities impose stricter limits — always check local ordinances.
Local Variations
While state law permits home cultivation statewide (even in municipalities that banned commercial sales), some local jurisdictions impose additional restrictions. Denver, for instance, enforces the state standard. Check with your city or county for any local rules beyond the state minimum.
What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?
Growing more than 12 plants but fewer than 30 is a level 1 drug misdemeanor. Thirty or more plants constitutes a drug felony with potential prison time. Cultivation without maintaining an enclosed, locked space can also result in charges.
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