Marijuana in Colorado

  

MARIJUANA IN COLORADO INFO

Facts & Resources

What is Colorado's Marijuana Law?

In November 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64. According to the law, adults 21 and older can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants privately. Out-of-state residents or visitors are limited to a quarter of an ounce.

Colorado Use of Marijuana Fact Sheet: View a complete Q & A list.

On Jan. 2, 2014, Eagle County enacted regulatory control over the retail marijuana industry within the unincorporated regions of the county.

In January of 2013 the Town of Vail began adopting Marijuana Related Ordinances.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment manages the Marijuana ' Responsibility Grows Here' campaign. Learn more by visiting their website.

"Know the Facts. Be Educated. Understand the Marijuana Laws in Colorado. Be Responsible". The site includes resources and information about :

• Responsible Marijuana Use
• Youth and Marijuana
• Talking Tips for Adults
• Marijuana and Pregnancy
• Community Resources

A few key FAQs:

What is Colorado’s Marijuana Law?

In November 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64. The amendment became law on Dec. 10, 2012. According to the law, adults 21 and older can possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants privately. Out-of-state residents or visitors are limited to a quarter of an ounce.

Where can I consume marijuana legally?

Marijuana is intended for private, personal use in Colorado. Marijuana consumption may not occur openly or publicly. Accordingly, marijuana may not be consumed in public ways, streets, sidewalks, alleys, trails, golf courses, public buildings, parks, open spaces, parking lots, amusement/sporting/music venues, and places of business usually open to the general public.Consumption of marijuana may only occur on private property unless a property owner prohibits it. Eagle County has banned the possession and use of marijuana in all of its facilities including the county building, courthouse, jail, and airport. The operation of a marijuana social club or lounge is currently prohibited in unincorporated Eagle County. Additionally, Colorado’s Clean Indoor Air Act precludes smoking of tobacco or marijuana in restaurants, bars and clubs. There are no licensed retail marijuana outlets in the Town of Vail. Unlicensed transactions, including selling marijuana to another person for a price, is illegal.

Can I consume marijuana at the ski resorts located in Eagle County?

No. Marijuana continues to be illegal under federal law. Consequently, consumption of marijuana on U.S. Forest Service land, which encompasses the vast majority of our ski resorts, including Vail Mountain and much of the land surrounding Vail, is illegal under federal law. In addition, Vail Resorts does not permit the consumption of marijuana in or on any of its lifts, facilities or premises under its control. Using ski facilities under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against the law and a violation of the Colorado Ski Safety Act. Those found in violation of the Colorado Ski Safety Act risk losing their skiing and snowboarding privileges and, upon conviction, are subject to a fine of up to $1,000.

Where can I purchase marijuana legally?

State regulations have been enacted that allowed for retail sales to begin Jan. 1, 2014 by licensed providers. The purchase or sale of marijuana continues to be illegal except if done by a state and locally licensed retail marijuana store. Eagle County has limited the number of such stores to eight which are located throughout the various commercial districts within unincorporated Eagle County. There are no licensed retail marijuana outlets in the Town of Vail. Unlicensed transactions, including selling marijuana to another person for a price, is illegal.

What are some guidelines to help me use marijuana responsibly?

Responsible choices for recreational marijuana use are similar to those for alcohol. If you choose to consume marijuana, please do so responsibly, safely and prudently:

• Be well informed about the legal and health risks of marijuana use.
• Respect the rights of individuals who do not wish to be exposed to marijuana smoke.
• Appoint a designated driver if you are under the influence.
• Obey the laws and regulations governing recreational marijuana.

What are the consequences if you violate marijuana laws?

A person who openly and publicly displays, consumes or uses, or possesses, more than 2 ounces of marijuana, but less than 12 ounces of marijuana commits a misdemeanor. A person who possesses more than 12 ounces of marijuana commits a felony.Consequences include anything from a fine to jail or a prison sentence depending on the violation.

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office encourages users to know the laws and do so responsibly, safely and prudently.

How will Colorado’s marijuana law impact my vacation experience in Eagle County & the Vail Valley?

Eagle County is an outdoor mecca for family-friendly activities and will continue to be so. The use of marijuana in Colorado is regulated and public use is prohibited. Accordingly, guests should expect the same premier vacation experience they’ve come to expect. We ask those who choose to exercise their rights to use marijuana to do so discreetly and respectfully of those individuals who do not wish to be exposed to marijuana use.

“Let’s Be Blunt” MARIJUANA Campaign

In January 2020, the Town of Vail Police Department, in partnership with the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, launched “Let’s be Blunt” - a creative media campaign aimed to educate residents and visitors about the Colorado Marijuana Laws and reinforce responsible and lawful use. As the campaign would say, “Colorado’s Amendment 64 is cool, but only if you know the rule…” #VailLetsBeBlunt  (Sample graphics below)