Colorado Marijuana Compliance
Colorado marijuana compliance laws allow for the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana. Medicinal marijuana users must meet certain qualifications, and recreational marijuana users must be adults ages 21 and older. Employers do not have to accommodate medical marijuana use, and they can still enforce a drug-free workplace policy that includes marijuana use. They may also test for marijuana use following a work-related accident.
State and federal marijuana laws differ. Colorado permits medical marijuana and adult recreational use under state law. Federally, recreational marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance. An April 2026 federal rule moved certain medical marijuana products, including those covered by qualifying state medical licenses, to Schedule III, but federal requirements still apply. Colorado residents and employers should understand both sets of rules.
To register for a drug test, simply sign up using the button below. To register via phone, or if you have any questions, we can be reached at (888) 378-2499.
This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes
The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.
Colorado Marijuana Compliance
Colorado Marijuana Laws
Overall Status: Fully Legal
Medicinal marijuana became legal in Colorado in the year 2000, and marijuana for recreational purposes was legalized in Colorado in 2012.
Medical Marijuana: Legal
Adult applicants must be Colorado residents, have a qualifying medical condition, and meet the Medical Marijuana Registry's certification requirements. Minors can qualify too, as long as they and their primary parent meet the residency and application requirements. Every minor needs certifications from two providers.
Applicants ages 18-20 who did not hold a registry card before age 18 and first applied on or after January 1, 2022, generally need annual certifications from two providers at different medical practices. A homebound applicant exception affects the different-practice requirement.
Qualifying medical conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV, cachexia, persistent muscle spasms, seizures, severe pain, or severe nausea.
Decriminalized: Yes
People with certain past marijuana convictions may qualify to have their conviction records sealed under Colorado law. Eligibility depends on the offense and the applicable requirements. Colorado also granted pardons for state convictions involving possession of two ounces or less of marijuana, but a pardon does not itself seal the conviction record.
Recreational Marijuana: Legal
Recreational marijuana laws began allowing recreational use of marijuana in 2012. Adults 21 and older, including visitors, may generally possess up to two ounces of marijuana. The possession allowance increased on May 20, 2021. Retail purchases remain subject to separate limits, including a one-ounce flower limit or its equivalent in other products. Marijuana purchases in Colorado must take place in licensed dispensaries throughout the state. Marijuana that contains THC must remain in Colorado and not be used in public spaces.
Last updated 10/28/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal in Colorado?
Yes. Marijuana is legal in Colorado for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Adult use of marijuana, up to two ounces, is allowed for those 21 years of age and older. Medical marijuana is available to qualifying Colorado residents who meet the state's registry requirements. Patients under 18 may also qualify through the state's minor-patient application process.
Are there any unique laws about marijuana in Colorado?
The marijuana laws in Colorado apply to all residents. Visitors from other states and countries can also have up to two ounces of marijuana. Marijuana can't be used in public environments or while driving. Using marijuana is not allowed in some areas, like on federal lands. It also can't be taken out of Colorado since it is still restricted under federal law.
What is Colorado's history with marijuana?
Medicinal marijuana in Colorado became legal for patients in 2000. Qualifying patients were able to possess limited amounts of medicinal marijuana. Colorado's Medical Marijuana Code was enacted in 2010, regulating local and state medical marijuana businesses.
Colorado's recreational marijuana laws legalized marijuana in the state for recreational use in 2012. Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 in 2012. The first licensed recreational marijuana stores opened January 1, 2014.
What is the punishment for possession in Colorado?
The possession penalty depends on how much you have:
- Up to 2 ounces ( 21 and older): Marijuana is legal; no penalty
- Over 2 ounces, up to 6 ounces of flower: Level 2 drug misdemeanor
- More than 6 ounces of flower: Level 1 drug misdemeanor
Concentrates have their own weight limits. Medical patients may be allowed to have more. Selling, making, or planning to distribute marijuana without a license is a separate crime with tougher penalties.
Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana Testing
Some of the popular drug panels that remove marijuana testing are listed below:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug tests that exclude marijuana, where you'll find a complete list of drug tests that do not include THC testing under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.
Hair Drug Panels That Exclude Marijuana Testing
Two of our popular hair tests allow for the option to exclude marijuana from the panel of substances being tested. These include:
For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.
Drug Panels That Include Marijuana
Urine Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
Many of our testing options include marijuana testing. Below are some of the most popular urine drug tests including marijuana:
Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug tests that include marijuana.
Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing
Our variety of hair drug tests include many options for marijuana testing. Some of the most commonly ordered hair drug tests are:
A comprehensive list of the hair drug tests that we offer can be found here.