Jefferson County Cannabis – Is It Legal & Where To Buy 2024

Is Cannabis Cultivation Legal in Jefferson County?

Yes. While medical and recreational cannabis became legal in Colorado in 2000 and 2012, respectively, Jefferson County has its own regulation concerning cannabis cultivation. Medical use of marijuana is allowed in Jefferson County, while recreational use of marijuana is banned, as per Resolution No. CC12-348.

Colorado’s Amendment 64 allows marijuana cultivation for licensed businesses and consumers. It also states that a locality or a county may prohibit marijuana-related operations. Having said that, Resolution No. CC13-424 bans marijuana cultivation in unincorporated areas of Jefferson County, but for incorporated areas, only personal marijuana cultivation is allowed, as stated in Zoning Resolution Section 2, Subpart P.

In addition, the Zoning Resolution says that personal cultivation of marijuana may be grown by a registered patient or a caregiver aged 21 or above and only allowed in an enclosed and locked structure located on a residential property that constitutes the primary residence of the cultivator and only for personal use. No more than 12 marijuana plants may be grown in each dwelling property. Home cultivation must not be done outdoors. Furthermore, Resolution No. CC13-424 bans the cultivation of marijuana by business establishments.

Is Cannabis Manufacturing Legal in Jefferson County?

Yes. Resolution No. CC13-424 bans marijuana processing in unincorporated areas of the county, but for incorporated areas, Jefferson County’s Zoning Resolution only permits the home processing of marijuana in the primary residence of the cultivator/processor and only for their personal use.

Is Cannabis Retail Legal in Jefferson County?

Yes. However, retail of medical marijuana is banned in unincorporated areas of Jefferson County, according to Ordinance CC15-352. For incorporated areas, registered patients and caregivers who are aged 21 years or older are allowed to buy and have up to 1 ounce of cannabis at 1 time from licensed stores in Jefferson County. It’s a felony to give, share cannabis or sell to anyone under 21. According to Amendment 64, cannabis, tinctures, ointments, and edible products are approved for sale in Colorado.

Marijuana business establishments are mandated by law to sell all marijuana products in packaging that’s child-resistant, resealable, and not transparent or see-through. The packaging must protect kids, teenagers, and adults from accidentally consuming products that they don’t realize contain marijuana. Using the packaging from the licensed marijuana store is an important step in safe storage.

Using marijuana isn’t allowed in public places. This includes the following indoor and outdoor areas:

• Sidewalks
• Businesses
• Restaurants, cafes, or bars
• Parks and amusement parks
• Ski resorts
• Common areas of condominiums or apartment buildings
• Concert venues

Since marijuana is illegal under federal law, you can’t use it on federal land, including national forests, parks, and ski slopes. Under State rules, retail marijuana facilities can be open between 8 a.m. and midnight. Counties or municipalities can require stricter hours of operation.

Is Cannabis Delivery Legal in Jefferson County?

Colorado’s House Bill 19-1234 permits ​​cannabis delivery in a jurisdiction that has voted to allow delivery. Medical marijuana delivery for medical marijuana establishments started on January 2, 2020, while medical marijuana delivery for medical marijuana transporters and retail marijuana delivery began on January 2, 2021. Cannabis deliveries are limited to one transaction per person per day and limited to private residences of patients with medical marijuana cards. House Bill 19-1234 also requires responsible vendor training programs for marijuana establishments, including marijuana delivery training.

How to Get Medical Marijuana Card in Jefferson County

The Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry is a statewide medical program that allows patients with qualifying health conditions to possess an identification card for access to medical marijuana. These qualifying conditions include:

• Severe nausea
• Severe pain
• Persistent muscle spasms
• Cancer
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Glaucoma
• Seizures
• Cachexia
• HIV or AIDS
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Any condition for which a registered doctor could prescribe an opioid

To be eligible for a medical marijuana identification card in Colorado, you must:

• Be a Colorado resident
• Be 18 years old or above
• Have a qualifying health condition stated above

To apply for a medical marijuana identification card in Colorado, make an appointment with a certifying doctor to confirm your medical condition, complete your application online, and wait for your application to be approved within 1 to 3 business days. Once your application is accepted and approved, you may access your card through your online account. All minor patients must see two health care providers and submit two provider certifications.

The Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry is operated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Medical marijuana identification cards are allowed to Colorado residents and are valid for use only in the state.

For questions or concerns, you may contact:

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

4300 Cherry Creek Dr. S. Denver, CO

80246-1530

Phone: 303-692-2184

Email: medical.marijuana@state.co.us

How Has Cannabis Legalization Impacted the Economy of Jefferson County?

In July 2021, the Colorado Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Justice published a research study that shows the total revenue from fees, licenses, and taxes of marijuana establishments has increased from $67 million in 2014 to a staggering $387 million in 2020 by more than 473%. The amount of taxes shelled out by the State on constructing and funding the schools skyrocketed by 264%, from $33 million in 2015 to $120 million in 2020.

According to the report, there are 63 medical marijuana establishments in Jefferson County in 2020.

The Effects of Cannabis Legalization on Crime Rates in Jefferson County

According to the above article by the Colorado Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Justice, the total marijuana arrests in the State between 2012 and 2019 decreased by 68%, from 13,225 to 4,290 cases. In Jefferson County, the number of marijuana arrests also decreased from 1,554 cases in 2012 to 370 cases in 2019.

Regarding DUI cases, data from the FBI Crime System reported by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office showed an increase in the number of DUI arrests during 2011, 2012, and 2013, from 360, 411, to 425, respectively. Note that the Jefferson County authorities banned recreational marijuana use in 2012 after the Colorado State passed Amendment 64 into law.