Denver County, CO Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Denver's marijuana licensing framework, DRMC Chapter 6 (Article III Retail Marijuana; Article IV Medical Marijuana), is among the most detailed in the country. Dispensaries must: - Hold both a state license from CO Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) and a Denver Excise and Licenses permit - Be located only in Main Street, Urban Center, Commercial Corridor, or Industrial zones under DZC - Maintain 1,000-foot separation from schools, child care facilities, alcohol/drug treatment centers, and any other licensed dispensary - Maintain 500-1,000-foot separation from residential zones depending on district - Operate only 8 AM to 10 PM (extended to midnight for consumption lounges in limited cases) - Install security: high-resolution cameras, alarm, controlled entry, locked cages - Comply with product packaging, potency, and child-resistant rules - Pay city sales tax (3.65%) plus special marijuana tax (5.5% Denver + 15% state) In 2021 Denver passed Ordinance 21-0918 creating a Social Equity licensing program prioritizing applicants from communities impacted by the War on Drugs, and in 2022 Denver licensed the first 15 marijuana hospitality (consumption lounge) businesses. Moratoriums on new non-equity retail licenses remain in effect in most zones. Approximately 200+ dispensaries operate citywide.