Cannabis Regulations in Colorado Springs, CO

If you live in Colorado Springs or are thinking about moving there, cannabis regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Colorado Springs has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of cannabis regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Buffer Zones

Colorado Springs keeps marijuana retailers a quarter-mile from where kids gather: City Code §§ 7.3.303F.4 and F.5 require every Medical Marijuana Store and Retail Marijuana Facility to sit at least 1,000 feet from schools, licensed daycares, and drug or alcohol treatment facilities, measured along a route of direct pedestrian access.

Key details: Buffer distance: 1,000 feet. Covered businesses: Medical Marijuana Stores & Retail Marijuana Facilities. Protected uses: K-12 schools, daycares, drug/alcohol treatment. Measurement method: nearest building point to nearest property line, direct pedestrian route. Extra MMJ buffer: 1,000 ft from another Medical Marijuana Store.

A proposed Medical Marijuana Store or Retail Marijuana Facility that falls inside the 1,000-foot buffer from a protected school, daycare, or treatment facility cannot obtain zoning approval or a business license for that site. An existing facility later found to violate the separation requirement, for example, after a new protected use opens nearby, is subject to review and potential license or permit action by the City.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Colorado Springs actively enforces its buffer zones requirements.

Dispensary Zoning

Colorado Springs zoning keeps marijuana businesses out of residential territory: City Code § 7.3.303F.2.a bars Medical Marijuana (MMJ) Facilities from any residential zone district or dwelling unit except for the separately regulated home-cultivation accessory use, and bars Retail Marijuana (RMJ) Facilities from residential zones and dwelling units with no exception at all.

Key details: MMJ residential ban: § 7.3.303F.2.a, except home cultivation. RMJ residential ban: no exceptions. Outdoor grow: prohibited citywide. On-site consumption at MMJ: prohibited. Licenses required: local + state MMJ and Sales Tax licenses.

Operating an MMJ or RMJ Facility inside a residential zone district or dwelling unit is an unlawful, non-permitted use under the UDC, subject to code enforcement action. Allowing on-premises consumption at an MMJ Facility, running an unventilated facility, or operating an outdoor grow are each independent violations of § 7.3.303F standards that put the location's zoning compliance and business license at risk.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Colorado Springs actively enforces its dispensary zoning requirements.

Home Cultivation

Colorado Springs City Code Section 9.7.211 permits home cultivation of marijuana in compliance with state law. Adults 21 and older may grow up to 6 plants per person (maximum 12 per household) under Colorado Amendment 64. The cultivation area is limited to 150 square feet for single-family detached dwellings or 75 square feet for all other dwelling types and accessory structures. Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space. Odors must not be detectable from adjoining properties or public rights-of-way.

Key details: Code Section: City Code §9.7.211 Cultivation of Marijuana. Plant Limit: 6 per person, 12 per household maximum. Space Limit (SFR): 150 sq ft for single-family detached. Space Limit (Other): 75 sq ft for multi-family and accessory structures. Odor Control: Must not be detectable from adjoining properties.

The Bottom Line

Colorado Springs is tougher than many cities when it comes to cannabis regulations. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Colorado Springs, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Colorado Springs's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.