Cannabis Regulations in Colorado Springs, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of cannabis regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Dispensary Zoning

Colorado Springs bans recreational marijuana dispensaries. Voters rejected recreational sales in a 2017 ballot measure, and the city has maintained the ban. Only medical marijuana dispensaries are permitted, operating under strict zoning and licensing requirements. Medical dispensaries must comply with 1,000-foot buffer zones from schools, daycares, and other dispensaries. The city licenses medical marijuana centers, cultivation facilities, and infused product manufacturers through the City Clerk's Office under City Code Chapter 9, Article 7.

Key details: Recreational Sales: BANNED — voters rejected in 2017. Medical Dispensaries: Permitted with city license. Buffer Zones: 1,000 ft from schools, daycares, other dispensaries. Licensing: City Clerk's Office, City Code Ch. 9, Art. 7. License Types: Medical centers, cultivation, infused products.

Operating without license: closure and fines $5,000+. Buffer violations: permit revocation. Sales to minors: criminal charges and license forfeiture.

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.

Exceeding plant limits: warning, then fines $100 to $500. Visible grows: citation. Growing for unlicensed sale: criminal charges.

The Bottom Line

Colorado Springs's cannabis regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Colorado Springs is broadly strict or permissive.

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.