Marijuana Dispensaries in Denver

Are there Marijuana Dispensaries in Denver?

Yes. Marijuana dispensaries are permitted in Denver as the city issues retail marijuana store licenses to cannabis businesses intending to operate retail outlets in the city. Note that marijuana became legal in Colorado in 2012 when Colorado voters approved Amendment 64. Amendment 64 legalized the sale of recreational cannabis in the state. Retail marijuana sales started in Denver in January 2014.

Are there Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Denver?

Yes. In accordance with Section 6-205 of the Denver Municipal Code, medical marijuana dispensaries are legal in Denver. Medical marijuana was legalized in Colorado in 2000 when Colorado voters approved Initiative 20, later codified in the state law as Article XVIII, Section 14. The law permitted medical marijuana businesses to be established across Colorado jurisdictions.

Can You Buy Cannabis from Online Weed Dispensaries in Denver?

Yes. With Denver approving cannabis delivery in the city, you can buy cannabis from online dispensaries. Note that home delivery of marijuana may only be conducted by Denver businesses with delivery permits.

Visiting a Dispensary in Denver

The following are key considerations when visiting a cannabis dispensary in Denver:

• Age: The minimum age to enter a recreational dispensary in the city is 21. Per state and local regulations, a dispensary staff will verify your ID at the door. If you are visiting a Denver medical cannabis dispensary, your medical marijuana card will be required

• Hold Cash: The majority of Denver weed dispensaries do not accept credit cards. Therefore, you should take cash to the dispensary or be prepared to use an ATM

• Do not expect to be permitted to touch the cannabis products in the dispensary: Although dispensary personnel will show you the available cannabis products, you will likely not be permitted to touch them until you make a purchase in order to prevent contamination

• Consumption policy: You are not authorized to consume cannabis on the grounds of the dispensary. Do not anticipate consuming marijuana products in the shop or parkway after making a purchase

• Be open: Most dispensaries employ budtenders or personnel knowledgeable about cannabis and its many applications. Therefore, do not be reluctant to share your expectations or requirements for cannabis purchases with the dispensaries' attendants

Denver Dispensary Laws

Denver dispensary laws are outlined under Section 6-209 of the city code. These laws include:

• Medical cannabis dispensaries must not admit any persons without first verifying their statuses as qualified medical marijuana patients or primary caregivers

• Adult-use dispensaries must verify that customers are of legal age (21) before allowing them to enter their premises

• Dispensaries may offer walk-up, drive-up, or curbside pickup services. However, such services must comply with applicable zoning, public health, building and fire, transportation, and other local requirements

• Dispensaries may not sell, transfer, or distribute cannabis between 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. daily

• Dispensaries may not transfer or sell more marijuana in a single transaction to a consumer than the lawful amounts related to possession as stipulated under state law

• Dispensaries in Denver may not be located within 1,000 feet of a school, a childcare facility, a medical or retail marijuana store, and an alcohol or drug treatment facility

Recreational Laws in Denver

Denver’s recreational laws are contained in Article V of its municipal code:

• In the City of Denver, a person must be at least 21 to buy or consume marijuana for recreational purposes

• Cannabis possession is restricted to 1 ounce of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrates

• Only approved and licensed dispensaries are authorized to sell marijuana legally

• Driving a motor vehicle in Denver while under the influence of marijuana is illegal, and violators face steep penalties

• The use of cannabis in public or open areas where others may readily see it is outlawed under Colorado law. A licensed hospitality business offering lobbies for legal marijuana use is exempt from this prohibition

• Using or possessing cannabis on federal property in Denver is a federal offense since marijuana remains banned at the federal level

• Crossing state lines with cannabis into Denver is illegal

• Cannabis smoking is legal but may only be done indoors on private properties

• It is unlawful to give or sell cannabis to minors

• You may cultivate up to six cannabis plants, including three plants in the flowering stage. No more than 12 plants may be cultivated on a residential property regardless of the number of adults residing there

• Cannabis businesses with the relevant permit may deliver cannabis to the homes of buyers

• It is prohibited to use or possess marijuana in any park (including Red Rocks) or recreational facility, on any city-owned property (including roadways and sidewalks) within 1,000 feet of a school, and on the 16th Street Mall. Denver International Airport outlaws the possession of marijuana on its premises

Medical Cannabis Laws in Denver

Denver's medical cannabis laws are the same as the state's medical cannabis laws. Denver residents suffering from one or more qualifying medical conditions may enroll in the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry - a statewide program allowing patients with qualifying medical conditions to obtain registry identifications to access medical marijuana legally. Registry ID cards are renewable annually and involve annually updated physician's certifications. Denver residents who are 18 and older may enroll in the registry by themselves, while residents under 18 may require the help of their parents, legal guardians, or designated caregivers.

Registered patients may legally possess 57 grams of usable cannabis and consume cannabis in private residences. Patients may also cultivate up to six marijuana plants, with three plants in the flowering state. Patients who qualify to cultivate more must register the plants and corresponding patient registry numbers with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Registered patients 18 or older can smoke medical cannabis indoors, while patients under 18 are prohibited from consuming marijuana in smokeable form.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Denver

To get a medical marijuana card in Denver, you must be at least 18, reside in Denver or another Colorado location, and suffer from one of the approved medical conditions. Persons between 18 and 20 will be required to provide certifications from two healthcare providers from different medical practices. If you are a homebound patient, the certifications need not be from different medical practices. Minors may be eligible if they and their primary parents are Colorado residents and have qualifying medical conditions.

Follow these steps to complete your application in the registry:

• Obtain a recommendation for medical marijuana from a physician stating that you have one or more of the following conditions:

  • Cancer

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Seizures

  • Autism spectrum disorder

  • Persistent muscle spasms

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Severe pain

  • Severe nausea

  • Glaucoma

  • Cachexia

  • Any condition for which a physician may prescribe an opioid

• Create an account on the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry

• Complete your application on the registry. The following will be required:

  • A printed copy of the healthcare provider certification

  • A JPEG or PDF copy of your valid Colorado ID or driver's license. Colorado digital IDs from the MyColorado app are not accepted

  • A non-refundable application fee of $29.50. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you must submit a copy of your certified Colorado tax return from the state Department of Revenue for the current tax year. You qualify for a fee waiver if your household income is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or less

You may also submit your medical marijuana card application by mail. Note that paper mail-in applications are reserved for applicants with no access to internet resources. To submit an application by mail:

• Complete the adult application form or the application for patients under age 18 form

• Include a copy of your Colorado ID or driver's license or request a proof of residency waiver

• Include a $29.50 check or money order made payable to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or a certified copy of the current Colorado Tax Return and fee waiver

Mail completed applications to:

Application Processing

CDPHE HSV-8630,

_4300 Cherry Creek Dr. S. _

Denver, CO 80246-1530

Applications completed by mail take 6-8 weeks to process. Such applicants will have their healthcare providers submit their medical marijuana certifications online. They will also receive their medical marijuana cards by mail. If you have not received your card or a letter from the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry within 35 days, contact the Registry at medcial.marijuana@state.co.us or (303) 692-2184.

Applications completed online with all correct information typically take 1-3 business days to process. Once your online application has been approved, you can access your card through your online CDPHE account.

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Denver?

It is legal to consume cannabis in a private residence (only if the property owner permits), in a licensed marijuana hospitality business, or in a licensed marijuana hospitality and sales business.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Denver Dispensary

To buy cannabis from a dispensary in Denver, you must find the address of a dispensary in the neighborhood where you live. To find the location of a dispensary near you, put the search term “marijuana dispensaries near me" in an online search engine. You may also order cannabis online as the city allows cannabis online purchases. If you are visiting the physical location of a dispensary selling recreational cannabis, take an ID showing you are 21 or older. You should also hold cash to complete your transaction, as most dispensaries only accept cash.

The Average Price in Denver

The average price per gram for recreational weed in Denver is between $5.5 - $8.5, while an ounce ranges between $160 and $240.

Most Popular Strains in Denver

Some popular cannabis strains in Denver are:

• Durban Poison

• Blue Dream

• Sour Diesel

• Original Glue

• OG Kush

• Golden Goat

• Granddaddy Purple

• Green Crack

• Wedding Cake

Can You Smoke in Public in Denver?

No. In Denver, it is illegal to consume marijuana in public view or in unrestricted, public access areas. This includes common areas of buildings and facilities, hotel rooms, businesses not licensed for marijuana use, streets and roads, transit facilities, entertainment zones, parks, and playgrounds.

How Much Marijuana Can You Possess at Once in Denver?

Denver residents aged 21 or older can possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis or cannabis-infused products, 8 grams of cannabis concentrates, or marijuana products containing up to 800 milligrams of Delta-9 THC. Medical marijuana cardholders in the city can possess up to 2 ounces of usable cannabis, 8 grams of cannabis concentrate, or marijuana products containing up to 20,000 milligrams of Delta-9 THC. If you are neither a Denver resident nor a Colorado resident, you may only purchase up to a quarter of an ounce of marijuana per time.

Can I Ship Cannabis in Denver?

Federal law prohibits shipping cannabis from another state into Denver. Since federal laws govern interstate transportation, shipping cannabis, considered a federally banned drug, across state lines is a criminal offense. You are, however, permitted to transport marijuana from one Colorado city to Denver so long as it is maintained in an airtight container and transported in the trunk of your vehicle.

Can I Order Cannabis Online in Denver?

Yes. The City of Denver permits cannabis retail outlets to offer online services for residents looking to purchase cannabis online.

Are there 24-hour Dispensaries in Denver?

Section 6-209 of the Denver Municipal Code permits marijuana dispensaries in the city to operate between 8:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. daily.

Can Tourists Use Dispensaries in Denver?

Yes. Tourists with valid photo IDs showing that they are above 21 may use recreational marijuana dispensaries in Denver.

Do You Need ID for Dispensary in Denver?

When entering a weed dispensary in Denver, you must provide photo identification showing that you are at least 21 years old to demonstrate that you are eligible to purchase and consume cannabis in the city. No other form of ID is required in order to buy cannabis from a recreational weed dispensary in Denver. However, to purchase medical marijuana products, a medical marijuana card is required.

Best Dispensaries in Denver

The best weed dispensaries in the City of Denver:

• The Giving Tree of Denver

• Denver Recreational

• Kind Love

• Good Chemistry

• Green Dragon

• Simply Pure LoHi

• Frost Exotic Cannabis

Do Dispensaries Scan your ID in Denver?

Denver marijuana dispensaries may scan your ID to track your cannabis purchases and confirm that you are of legal age to use marijuana in the city.

How Many Dispensaries are in Denver?

There are over 250 medical and adult-use dispensaries in the City of Denver.

Can Dispensaries in Denver Take Credit Cards?

Denver weed dispensaries do not accept credit cards. Cannabis purchases in the city are typically concluded using cash. Also, you are likely to find an ATM inside or close to a dispensary location. Hence, you can complete your cannabis transaction by withdrawing cash from a nearby ATM.

How Many Dispensaries Can You Visit in One Day?

There is no restriction on the number of cannabis dispensaries you may visit in one day. You can visit multiple dispensaries or the same dispensary multiple times in one day. However, you will not be able to buy more than is permitted under the law.

Do Dispensaries in Denver Take Health Insurance?

No, cannabis businesses in Denver do not take health insurance as health insurance does not cover cannabis.

Do Dispensaries in Denver Track How Much Weed You Buy?

Yes. Cannabis retailers in Denver keep track of consumers’ purchases in compliance with state law.

Can You Enter a Dispensary in Denver at Age 18?

No. You must be 21 or older to enter an adult-use cannabis dispensary in the City of Denver. Residents must be 18 or older to enter medical cannabis dispensaries.

Where Can I Find Denver Cannabis Regulator’s Contact Information?

The cannabis regulating agency for cannabis operations and activities in the City of Denver is the Marijuana Enforcement Division of the CDOR (Colorado Department of Revenue). The division has four locations spread across the State of Colorado. You may find the division’s contact information on the Colorado Department of Revenue’s website.

How Do I Report Illegal Cannabis Activities in Denver?

To report illegal marijuana operations in Denver, you may file a report to the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division. You may also contact the Denver government by calling 311 ((720)-913-1311) or emailing 311@denvergov.org. Also, you may contact the Denver police at the department's non-emergency line at (720) 913-2000.