ColoradoCannabis Growing Guide
Everything you need to grow cannabis at home in Colorado. Laws, climate tips, recommended strains, and local resources.
Age Requirement
21+ years old
Plants Per Person
6 (3 mature)
Household Maximum
12 plants
Legal Since
December 10, 2012
Legal Overview
Colorado legalized home cannabis cultivation through the Amendment 64 (Colorado Marijuana Legalization) on December 10, 2012.
What's Allowed
- •Growing up to 6 plants per person (3 mature, 3 immature)
- •Up to 12 plants per household
- •Possessing all cannabis produced by your plants
- •Processing your harvest for personal use
Not Allowed
- •Exceeding 3 mature plants per person
- •Exceeding 12 plants per household
- •Growing plants in an open or public place
- •Growing plants accessible to minors in the home
Location Requirements
Where and how you can legally grow cannabis in Colorado.
Enclosed & Locked
Plants must be kept in an enclosed, locked area. This is especially important if minors live in or visit the home.
Indoor Only
Colorado requires plants to be grown indoors in an enclosed space. Outdoor growing is not permitted under state law.
Not Publicly Visible
Plants cannot be in an open or public place. Your grow area must be completely enclosed and private.
Making Concentrates
Rules for making cannabis concentrates and extracts in Colorado.
Allowed Methods
- •Rosin pressing
- •Ice water hash
- •Dry sift
- •Infusing with food-safe oils
Prohibited Methods
- •Butane (BHO extraction)
- •Propane
- •Other flammable gases or liquids
Important: Volatile solvents (butane, propane, etc.) are prohibited for home extraction in Colorado. Stick to solventless methods like rosin pressing and ice water hash.
Renting? Important Considerations
What renters in Colorado need to know about home cultivation.
- ⚠️Landlords can prohibit cannabis cultivation in lease agreements
- ⚠️Review your lease for cannabis-related clauses
- ⚠️Federally subsidized housing prohibits cannabis
- ⚠️Many Denver apartments explicitly prohibit growing
- ⚠️Consider odor control in multi-unit buildings
Compliance Tips
Best practices for staying compliant with Colorado cannabis laws.
✓Mature vs Immature
Colorado distinguishes between mature (flowering) and immature plants. You can have 3 of each per person, up to 12 total per household.
✓Check Local Laws
Cities and counties can add restrictions. Denver limits grows to 12 plants max regardless of number of adults. Always check local ordinances.
✓Indoor Required
Colorado requires indoor cultivation in an enclosed, locked space. No outdoor growing is permitted.
✓Minors in Home
If minors live in or visit your home, extra precautions are required. The grow area must be locked and inaccessible to youth.
✓The Pioneer State
Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012. The laws are mature and well-established.
Climate & Growing Season
USDA Zone
USDA Zones 3-7
Outdoor Season
Indoor only (state law)
Last Frost
Mid May - Early June
First Frost
Late September - Mid October
State law requires indoor cultivation or climate makes outdoor growing impractical.
While Colorado has excellent sunshine and low humidity ideal for cannabis, state law requires indoor cultivation. The high altitude (5,000-10,000+ ft) means intense UV rays but also challenges: faster water evaporation, lower air pressure affecting plant metabolism, and extreme temperature swings. LEDs work great at altitude.
Recommended Strains for Colorado
These strains are particularly well-suited for growing in Colorado's climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabis plants can I grow in Colorado?
Colorado allows adults 21+ to grow up to 6 plants per person, with no more than 3 being mature (flowering) at any time. The household maximum is 12 plants.
Can I grow cannabis outdoors in Colorado?
No. Colorado state law requires cannabis to be grown in an enclosed, locked space indoors. Outdoor cultivation is not permitted, despite Colorado's ideal climate.
When did Colorado legalize cannabis?
Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 on November 6, 2012, making it one of the first two states (along with Washington) to legalize recreational cannabis. The law took effect December 10, 2012.
Do I need a license to grow cannabis at home in Colorado?
No license is required for personal home cultivation in Colorado. You just need to be 21+ and grow in an enclosed, locked space.
Does Denver have different cannabis laws?
Yes. Denver limits home grows to 12 plants maximum, even if more than two adults live in the residence. Other cities and counties may have additional restrictions. Always check your local ordinances.
Ready to Start Growing in Colorado?
Check out our complete growing guide and equipment recommendations.