Medical Marijuana Users
Colorado has passed measures making possession legal in the eyes of the state, not federal government, to use medicinal marijuana with written documentation from a physician stating they might “benefit from the medical use of marijuana.” The amendment was passed in 2000, and set up a confidential state-run registry for medical marijuana users. Typically, illnesses such as cancer, HIV or Aids, MS and other illnesses that result in muscle spasms, epilepsy and other disorders characterized by seizures, illnesses that result in nausea and glaucoma are where medical marijuana would be prescribed. Registered users or their caregivers are allowed to possess no more than 2 ounces of usable marijuana and may cultivate no more than 6 plants.
Non-Medical Users:
Colorado has decriminalized non-violent petty use of marijuana for first time offenders who are non-medical users. The state has also lowered the penalties for possession, especially for anything under 8 ounces. In addition, the state has created alternative and diversion sentencing for people facing their first charges. This allows for people to complete alternative sentences that result in probation rather than a trial and, upon successful completion of the program, wipes the charge from the person’s record. This usually includes a sentencing of 16-48 hours of community service.
The following are Colorado penalties for marijuana use by non-medical users.
Colorado Penalties for Illegal Marijuana Use and Possession:
| Possession of 1 oz. or less |
Petty Offense |
$100.00 Fine |
|
Possession of 1 oz. or less
and failure to appear in court
|
Misdemeanor |
$500.00 Fine
Up to 6 months in Jail
|
| Possession or use in public |
Misdemeanor |
15 days of jail time in
addition to original sentence
|
| Possession of 1 to 8 oz. |
Misdemeanor |
6-18 months jail time and a
fine ranging in $500.00- $5,000.00
|
| Possession of more than 8 oz. |
Felony |
1-3 years jail time and a fine
ranging $1,000.00-$100,000.00
|
Penalties for Illegally Growing, Selling, and Trafficking Marijuana:
|
Less than 1 oz. without any
Payment
|
Petty Offense |
$100.00 Fine |
|
Any amount after receiving
Payment
|
Felony
|
2-6 years in jail time and fine
ranging $2,000.00 to $500,000.00 |
| Transporting more than 100 lbs. |
Felony
|
8-24 years in jail time and fine
ranging $5,000.00 to $1,000,000.00 |
| Transfer to a Minor |
Felony
|
8-24 years in jail time and fine
ranging $2,000.00 to $500,000.00
|
|
Sale within 100 ft of public
building or school
|
Felony
|
8-24 years in jail time and fine
ranging $10,000.00 to $100,000.00
|
| Possession or Sale |
Petty Offense |
$100.00 Fine |
|
Becoming a member of MarijuanaCO is easy! Simply register by clicking here and you will receive our monthly newsletters giving you the latest information on Medicinal Marijuana in Colorado as well as specials only available to members of MarijuanaCO! 