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Colorado Marijuana Laws
Colorado legalized the sale and use of recreational (retail) marijuana in 2012. Medical marijuana is also legal in the state, but you must have a medical marijuana registry identification card.
To purchase, possess, or consume retail marijuana, you must be at least 21 years old. If you are at least 21, you can buy up to 1 ounce of retail marijuana from a licensed distributor. Adults may possess up to 2 ounces of marijuana at a time.
You can legally consume marijuana in Colorado at the following designated places:
- Private property (e.g., your home). If you rent, check with your landlord; property owners may ban the use and possession of marijuana on their property.
- Lodging (e.g., a hotel). Lodging providers may determine whether to allow marijuana on their properties.
2023 Colorado Psychedelic Mushroom Law
As of Jan. 2023, adults over the age of 21 will no longer face criminal penalties for possession of the “natural medicine” found in psychedelic mushrooms. Colorado Proposition 122 (Natural Medicine Health Act) decriminalizes the possession and personal use of psychedelic substances, including:
- Psilocybin
- Psilocin
- Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
- Ibogaine
Prop 122 also allows private residents to legally grow psilocybin mushrooms and certain entheogenic plants and fungi, so long as the plants are kept away from minors. Additionally, it is now legal in Colorado to transport, process, and give away psychedelic substances for “personal use,” so long as no payment is exchanged.
Also Read: Colorado Possession Laws
Controlled Substance Schedules
Schedule 1 drugs are purported to have no medicinal value and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule 2 through 5 substances all have some medical value, but differ in ranking depending on their potential for abuse (from high to low).
Examples of drugs on each schedule include:
- Schedule 1: marijuana, heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and magic mushrooms
- Schedule 2: cocaine, meth, oxycodone, Adderall, Ritalin, and Vicodin
- Schedule 3: Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone
- Schedule 4: Xanax, Soma, Darvocet, Valium, and Ambien
- Schedule 5: Robitussin AC, Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, and Parepectolin
In most states, schedule 1 and 2 drugs have the most regulatory restrictions on research, supply, and access, and Schedule 5 drugs have the least.
What Drugs are Illegal in Colorado?
Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V drugs remain illegal in Colorado. However, patients may access some with a doctor’s prescription. Examples of illegal drugs include:
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy / MDMA
- GHB
- Heroin
- Ketamine
- LSD
- Methamphetamine
- PCP (Angel Dust)
FAQs
What are scheduled drugs?
Scheduled drugs are substances that are regulated under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) due to their potential for abuse and dependence. These drugs are categorized into five schedules (Schedule I through V) based on their medical use and potential for abuse.
Can medical marijuana be prescribed in Colorado?
Medical marijuana can be recommended (not prescribed, as it remains a Schedule I substance federally) by a licensed physician for patients with qualifying medical conditions. Patients must obtain a medical marijuana card to purchase and use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Are there any special regulations for prescribing scheduled drugs in Colorado?
Yes, healthcare providers in Colorado must follow strict guidelines when prescribing scheduled drugs. This includes conducting thorough patient evaluations, using the state's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to track prescriptions, and ensuring that prescriptions are for legitimate medical purposes.
What should I do if I have questions about the legality of a specific drug in Colorado?
If you have questions about the legality of a specific drug in Colorado, consult a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or legal professional. They can provide accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific circumstances.
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