Last verified: March 2026
Possession Penalties for Adults 21+
| Amount | Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 oz | Legal | No penalty |
| 2 – 6 oz | Level 2 drug misdemeanor | Up to $750 fine, no jail (first offense) |
| 6 – 12 oz | Level 1 drug misdemeanor | 6 – 18 months jail, up to $5,000 fine |
| 12+ oz | Drug felony | 1 – 2 years prison, $1,000 – $100,000 fine |
Cultivation Penalties
| Number of Plants | Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 per adult (12 per household) | Legal | No penalty |
| 13 – 30 plants | Level 1 drug misdemeanor | 6 – 18 months, up to $5,000 fine |
| 30+ plants | Drug felony | 2 – 6 years prison, up to $500,000 fine |
Other Penalties
- Public consumption: Petty offense, up to $100 fine and community service. Not a criminal record.
- Open container in vehicle: Traffic infraction, fine comparable to alcohol open container.
- Unlicensed sales: Drug felony, regardless of amount. Selling to a minor carries enhanced penalties.
- Transport across state lines: Federal crime — trafficking charges possible regardless of amounts.
Underage Penalties (Under 21)
Possession by persons under 21 is a drug petty offense for up to 1 ounce (fine only, no criminal record). Larger amounts carry the same penalty structure as adult over-limit possession. Minors found in possession face mandatory drug education or community service, and their parents may be notified.
Employment Consequences
Colorado still allows employers to terminate employees for off-duty cannabis use, including positive drug tests. Unlike California, New York, and New Jersey, Colorado provides no employment protections for off-duty cannabis consumers. The Colorado Supreme Court upheld this in Coats v. Dish Network (2015), ruling that cannabis use is not "lawful activity" under the state's lawful off-duty activities statute because it remains federally illegal.
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org