This page provides an overview of Denver's marijuana laws, rules, and regulations, information about current marijuana policy development, and a history of marijuana policy in Denver.
Any form of business or commerce involving marijuana in Denver requires a license or permit. There are several medical and retail marijuana business licenses. Each type has different privileges, requirements, and rules. Businesses that do not follow the rules could be fined, face disciplinary action, or lose their license.
What medical or retail marijuana licenses and permits does the city issue?
The city issues these new medical or retail marijuana business licenses or permits:
- Medical marijuana delivery permit
- Medical marijuana products manufacturer license
- Medical marijuana testing facility license
- Medical marijuana transporter license
- Medical marijuana off-premises storage facility permit
- Marijuana research and development license
- Retail marijuana store license
- Retail marijuana delivery permit
- Retail marijuana cultivation facility license
- Retail marijuana products manufacturer license
- Retail marijuana testing facility license
- Retail marijuana transporter license
- Retail marijuana off-premises storage facility permit
The city no longer issues new business licenses for:
- Medical marijuana stores
- Medical marijuana cultivation facilities
Visit the Medical and Retail Marijuana Licenses and Permits webpage to learn more about how to apply for a marijuana license or permit.
Where can I find laws, rules, and regulations applicable to marijuana businesses in Denver?
Denver laws, rules, and regulations
- The Denver Marijuana Code contains laws adopted by Denver City Council governing marijuana businesses. (Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 6, Article V)
- Denver Excise and Licenses Rules Governing Cannabis Storage and Service Windows(PDF, 359KB) are applicable to marijuana stores and retail marijuana hospitality and sales businesses. Consult the Safe Storage Worksheet(PDF, 194KB) to help you determine whether your business is in compliance with the rules for cannabis storage.
- For rules, regulations, and guidance related to public health, visit the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment’s cannabis consumer protection website.
- Marijuana businesses must follow all tax obligations in the City and County of Denver. Visit the Denver Department of Finance’s business taxes website for more information, including a marijuana tax guide(PDF, 302KB).
- Marijuana businesses must follow the Denver Zoning Code and the Denver Building and Fire Code.
- The Department of Excise and Licenses’ hearing policies and procedures govern hearings for different licenses, including certain marijuana licenses.
- Marijuana businesses in Denver must follow certain advertising restrictions. To learn more, read the advertising guidance for marijuana businesses(PDF, 181KB).
Colorado laws, rules, and regulations
Marijuana policy in progress
The Department of Excise and Licenses and Office of Marijuana Policy strive to keep stakeholders apprised of all ongoing policy development and opportunities for public input. Please sign up for our Marijuana Information Bulletin to be notified of policy updates. Virtual, public marijuana-related meetings held by the Department are recorded and can be viewed on the City and County of Denver’s Marijuana Public Meetings YouTube Channel.
2022 Marijuana Delivery Legislation
On July 19, 2022, the Department hosted a marijuana industry stakeholder meeting to provide updates on application policies, the City's cannabis social equity technical assistance program, and draft legislation to bolster Denver's marijuana social equity delivery program. A link to a video recording of the meeting will be posted here and distributed through the Marijuana Information Bulletin when it is available.
The proposed changes to the delivery program would:
- Replace the three-year exclusivity period with permanent exclusivity for social equity transporters to conduct deliveries on behalf of stores in Denver; and
- Significantly reduce fees for transporter licenses and delivery permits for stores and transporters.
View the presentation with more information about the proposal(PDF, 1MB)
Read a draft of the proposed legislation(PDF, 164KB)
View a recording of the stakeholder meeting on July 19
If you have questions or would like to submit written feedback about the proposal, please email marijuanainfo@denvergov.org.