Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana. Because of this, many people assume that it is legal to consume marijuana anywhere in the state of Colorado, but that’s not the case. Even though marijuana has been legalized, there are many laws surrounding how it can be consumed. Here’s what you need to know about where you can and cannot legally smoke marijuana in Colorado:
Marijuana Retailers
You can legally purchase marijuana at one of the many licensed retailers throughout the state, however you cannot smoke marijuana at one of these stores. In fact, it is illegal to smoke marijuana in or around a licensed cannabis retailer.
Private Residences
It’s perfectly legal to smoke marijuana in private as long as it was legally purchased and you are above the age of 21. In this case, feel free to smoke marijuana if you are in a private residence.
Public Areas
It is not legal to smoke marijuana in public even if it was purchased legally and you are above the legal smoking age. Therefore, do not try to smoke marijuana when you are in parks, playgrounds, bars, restaurants, movie theaters, sporting events, concerts, or any other public venue.
It’s also illegal to smoke marijuana while using public transportation, since this is considered a public area.
Cars
Marijuana can be legally transported by car as long as it is not stored in an open container or brought across state lines. But, even though it is legal to carry marijuana in a vehicle, it is not legal to smoke it while in a car. Both drivers and passengers can face serious criminal charges for lighting up while inside a vehicle—even if the car is not in motion.
Hotels
Hotels are public venues, but hotel rooms are private, so many people wonder whether smoking in a hotel room is legal or illegal. The law allows hotels to decide whether or not they want to allow guests to smoke marijuana, so check with the front desk to find out if smoking marijuana is legal. If the hotel does permit smoking marijuana, it is only legal in designated smoking rooms.
Basically, marijuana can be legally smoked in private, but not in public. Smoking marijuana in any location that is open or easily accessible to the public is illegal.
Have you been charged with a drug crime? If so, contact Reisch Law Firm today. Our criminal defense attorneys will defend your rights through every step of the legal process. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
