Cannabis Regulations in Westminster, CO

If you live in Westminster or are thinking about moving there, cannabis regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Westminster has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of cannabis regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Home Cultivation

Westminster limits adults 21 and older to growing, processing or transporting between seven and 12 marijuana plants only as a fineable violation, and personal-use possession from the crop is capped at what six plants produce, under Section 6-12-2(C). Growing in an unenclosed, unlocked, or open and public manner is a separate $100 violation under subsection (D).

Key details: Cultivation range fined: 7-12 plants per adult 21+ (§6-12-2(C)). Usable-produce cap: Only what 6 plants yield, for personal use. Enclosure rule: Grow area must be enclosed and locked. Visibility rule: No open or public-manner growing (§6-12-2(D)). Standard fine: Not more than $100.00 per violation.

Exceeding the plant limits or possessing more than six plants' worth of marijuana under Section 6-12-2(C) is a Code violation punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00, as is growing in an unenclosed, unlocked, open or public manner under subsection (D). Growing anywhere on City-owned or City-controlled property is instead a criminal offense under Section 6-12-4, exposing a violator to the general penalty in Section 1-8-1.

Dispensary Zoning

Westminster prohibits marijuana establishments citywide: it is unlawful to operate a medical marijuana center, optional premises cultivation operation, marijuana-infused products manufacturer, or any recreational marijuana establishment anywhere in the City.

Key details: Dispensaries allowed: none, citywide prohibition. Cultivation/manufacturing: also prohibited citywide. Personal use: allowed for adults 21+. Legal basis: home rule + Colo. Const. Art. XVIII §16. Violation: criminal offense + public nuisance.

Section 5-10-7 makes any violation of the chapter a criminal offense punishable by fine or imprisonment under Section 1-8-1, W.M.C., with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense, and it separately declares the operation of a prohibited marijuana business a public nuisance subject to abatement under Chapter 4 of Title VIII.

Compared to other cities, Westminster takes a harder line on dispensary zoning. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Westminster'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 Westminster is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Westminster's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.