Colorado Marijuana License

Colorado legalized medical marijuana in 2000 and adult-use cannabis in 2012 (Amendment 64). It was the first state to open retail sales, in 2014. The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED), part of the Department of Revenue, licenses businesses.

Every business also needs approval from its local licensing authority, and many localities still prohibit cannabis businesses. Licenses now run on a two-year term, and the state offers reduced fees and an accelerator program for social equity licensees.

• Regulated Marijuana Store (retail and medical)
• Cultivation Facility (tiers by plant count)
• Products Manufacturer
• Testing Facility
• Transporter and Delivery permits
• Hospitality Business (consumption)
• Research and Development

• State license plus local license or approval
• Background checks and ownership disclosure
• Compliant premises, security and Metrc inventory tracking
• Social equity status documentation for reduced fees

• Retail store: $5,000 initial application plus a license fee of $6,240–$17,480 by level; renewal total $4,840
• Social equity retail store: $2,840 initial total; $1,270 renewal
• Delivery permit: $11,030 initial; $5,570 renewal (social equity $2,730 / $1,370)
• Hospitality business: $2,100 application plus $2,840 license fee

1. Confirm your city or county allows the license type.
2. Submit the MED application and state fees.
3. Apply for the local license in parallel.
4. Pass state and local inspections.
5. Renew every two years.

• Adults 21+ may possess up to 2 ounces and grow up to 6 plants (12 per household)
• Local governments can opt out or cap licenses
• All products are tracked in Metrc and tested

• Colorado resident with a debilitating condition, such as cancer, chronic pain, PTSD, seizures, autism or any condition for which an opioid could be prescribed
• Recommendation from a Colorado physician

1. Get a recommendation from a physician.
2. Apply online with the CDPHE Medical Marijuana Registry.
3. Use your registry card at medical stores.