Whether you’re Colorado born and bred or a first-time visitor, you don’t need a medical reason to buy cannabis. It’s an advantage that residents have enjoyed since 2012, when Colorado became one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana.
Although there are many benefits to having access to both types of use, it can also cause some confusion. It raises questions like:
We’re here to break down the differences so you can safely and confidently buy marijuana in Colorado, whichever way you choose.
It seems obvious, but the biggest difference between medical and recreational cannabis is the reason for use. Typically, adult-use purchases are for enjoyment, while medical cannabis is intended to relieve symptoms of a particular health condition.
Of course, some individuals who use cannabis for medical reasons may choose to buy recreationally, without obtaining a medical card. But for those who qualify, there are benefits to choosing the latter.
The process of purchasing marijuana products is a bit different for patients and recreational users. First, you’ll need to research the type of dispensary you’re visiting. Some are medical or recreational only. Others offer both, in which case there will be separate entrances for each type of use.
For adult-use products, the only requirement is that you must be 21 or older and present your ID at the dispensary. To buy medical cannabis, you must have a registry identification card obtained through the Colorado Medical Marijuana Registry, indicating that you’ve met the requirements to become a medical marijuana patient. These include:
To become a medical marijuana patient in Colorado, you need to have one of the state’s qualifying conditions:
Like any other state, Colorado has strict regulations relating to the purchase, possession, and consumption of marijuana.
While many of these laws overlap, some are different for recreational and medical users. Be aware that towns may also have their own marijuana regulations separate from state law, but they can’t interfere with a resident’s right to possess or consume cannabis.
BOTH:
BOTH:
MEDICAL:
RECREATIONAL:
MEDICAL:
RECREATIONAL:
There’s one downside to buying marijuana in any state – the heavy taxes.
In Colorado, there’s a 2.9% state sales tax on marijuana sold in stores, a 15% state retail marijuana sales tax, and a 15% retail marijuana excise tax on wholesale sales and transfers of marijuana.
However, there’s one big exception. Medical marijuana is only subject to the 2.9% state sales tax, meaning that patients can save a significant amount of money on products compared to adult-use consumers.
Whichever type of use you choose, you can find the cannabis products you need at Local Product.
Our medical and recreational dispensary in Denver is always stocked with a range of flower, edibles, concentrates, and more, and our knowledgeable team will answer any questions to help you find what you’re looking for. Browse our menu and/or order online before your visit!