Denver is the capital city of Colorado and is known for being a populous, liberal city with a thriving arts scene. And it is famous for another reason; for being the center of marijuana in the USA. It is even nicknamed the El Dorado of cannabis in the USA as it has been legal to buy and sell for nearly eight years. Colorado was one of the first states in the USA, along with Washington, to legalize the use of medical and recreational cannabis. Since then, many other states have followed in the trend for legalization. Nevertheless, Denver remains a focal point for weed-lovers in the state, and it is effortless to get hold of cannabis. There are numerous shops, pharmacies and dispensaries throughout the city.
However, although it is certainly legal to buy seeds in Denver, it is also advisable to research the law in this area. To make things easy for you, here is our guide to growing cannabis legally in Denver:
Can you possess and use cannabis in Denver?
In 2014, the Colorado government legalized the purchase, possession, and use of cannabis. Colorado state law states that:
- The individuals must be 21 years of age or older to buy, consume, or own it.
- Cannabis may not be shared, sold or given to anyone under the age of 21.
- When purchasing cannabis, you must present your proof of age.
- Also, you can only purchase cannabis from licensed dealers, and there is a limit to the amount a person can buy or own. Currently, this amount is set at one ounce (28 g).
Adults over 21 may give up to one ounce of cannabis to another adult (who must also be over 21) but cannot sell it to them. This would be the case even if they grew the cannabis themselves.
Further restrictions are laid down in the law. For example, it is still illegal to consume cannabis in public places, such as cafés, concert halls, and amusement parks, but also while walking on the pavement. Common rooms in apartment buildings are also included.
On top of that, it is illegal to use cannabis on state property, as cannabis use is still illegal under federal law. This means that you cannot consume it in places such as national parks or state forests.
While cannabis consumption is permitted at home, the law gives property owners (i.e., landlords) the right to prohibit tenants from using or possessing cannabis in their home or apartment. Hotel owners are also allowed to ban it from their premises.
Employer rights are also protected. Although cannabis use is now legal in Denver, employers are still allowed to test their employees for cannabis use. They can also use the test results to decide whether to hire someone.
Related Article: Marijuana Seeds Washington Guide
Driving and cannabis use
There is a limit to how much THC (the substance in cannabis that is responsible for the high) motorists can have in their blood while driving without committing a crime. If a person is caught driving a vehicle while their blood count is over the limit, they may be charged with driving while under the influence of drugs.
The law states that motorists are allowed to have less than five nanograms of THC per milliliter of whole blood. This also applies to people who consume medicinal cannabis.
Also, there must be no open containers with cannabis in the vehicle. If the security seal on the box breaks and there is evidence that some pf the product has been consumed, the driver can get a traffic offense complaint.
Can you sell cannabis in Denver?
Denver allows licensed dealers to sell cannabis. However, they must adhere to certain rules:
- No sales are allowed to people under the age of 21 (You mush have valid ID).
- No one under the age of 21 is allowed to enter the restricted area of the store.
- Sales are only permitted between 8 a.m. and midnight. Sales hours may be restricted in some areas of the country.
Anyone who sells or manufactures cannabis products must ensure that the packaging:
- Is resealable
- Is child safe
- Is not transparent (the content must not be visible)
- All packaging must bear a special symbol as required by the Ministry of Finance.
Taxes
In 2013, the residents of Colorado voted to impose a 10% sales tax on retail cannabis in addition to the state's standard 2.9% tax rate. In addition, an excise tax of 15% was added to the wholesale price of retail cannabis. However, these taxes do not apply to medical cannabis.
Can you grow cannabis in Denver?
Federal law allows people to grow cannabis at home. Up to six plants per person are allowed, of which a maximum of three can flower at the same time. There are a couple of important limitations to be aware of:
- Since 2018, a maximum of twelve cannabis plants can be grown in a household. It doesn't matter how many people over 21 live there.
- In some counties, there are stricter laws regarding cultivation.
- All plants must be grown in a locked area.
- They must not be visible (which means they cannot be grown outside in the garden).
- Minors may not have access to the cultivation area.
- If minors live in the property, it must be ensured that they do not have access to the plants.
Marijuana seeds for sale in Denver
Only licensed dealers are allowed to sell cannabis products, including seeds.
How to buy marijuana seeds in Denver?
Denver's dispensaries sell seeds, or you can visit one of several seed banks.
Another option is to order high-quality seeds online from Weedseedsexpress directly. With a germination guarantee, fast delivery and ultra-careful packaging, you can look forward to growing the seeds of your choice conveniently delivered to your home address.
Tip: check all our marijuana seeds
The best strains to grow in Denver
Denver has an unpredictable climate that can make growing weed outdoors something of a challenge. Its average elevation is nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, which means it often has exceptional levels of UV light penetration - a good thing for a high concentration of THC, which makes it a shame the law is so restrictive for outdoor grows. Denver is inland and is an unusually arid state so additional irrigation is almost certainly essential.
For the best chance of success, start seedlings indoors in early March, use containers, so plants can be quickly removed from unexpected storms, and consider a greenhouse or indoor grow - as well as staying on the right side of the law!
Almost any Indicas will thrive in Denver area; hardy varieties with short seasons. Denver's early autumn is ideal for the growing dense buds. Indoors, you can grow any strain you please.