Dispensary Zoning: Colorado Springs vs Manitou Springs
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Manitou Springs, CO?
Manitou Springs has fewer restrictions than Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
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.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs allowed recreational dispensaries starting April 2024 under Question 300 (Nov 2022). Conditional Use Permits required in commercial zones with 1,000 ft buffer from schools. El Paso County unincorporated bans all retail cannabis. Manitou Springs has recreational retail (Maggie's Farm). USAFA/Fort Carson bases federally prohibit all cannabis.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| CS Retail | - | Legal since April 2024 |
| School Buffer | - | 1,000 feet |
| Hours | - | 8 AM-10 PM |
| County | - | Retail prohibited |
| Manitou Springs | - | Retail allowed since 2014 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
Can I buy recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs?
No. Colorado Springs bans all recreational marijuana dispensaries. Voters rejected recreational sales in a 2017 ballot measure. You must travel to neighboring jurisdictions like Manitou Springs for recreational purchases.
Are medical marijuana dispensaries allowed?
Yes. Medical marijuana dispensaries are licensed and regulated under City Code Chapter 9, Article 7. They must maintain 1,000-foot buffers from schools, daycares, and other dispensaries.
Manitou Springs FAQ
Why are there dispensaries in Manitou Springs but not the rest of Colorado Springs?
Manitou Springs is a separate home-rule municipality that approved recreational retail in 2014. Colorado Springs didn't approve recreational retail until Question 300 passed in November 2022, with licensing starting April 2024. El Paso County unincorporated still bans all retail.
Can I open a dispensary near the Air Force Academy?
Not within the 1,000-ft school/youth-facility buffer required by CSCC §2.10, which applies to USAFA's Prep School. Additionally, DoD federally regulates cannabis proximity to military installations through local coordination — most dispensaries stay well outside base perimeters.
Compare other topics
See how Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool