Although Colorado legalized recreational cannabis under Amendment 64, Boulder bans public consumption. Smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis in parks, sidewalks, Pearl Street Mall, CU campus, or other public places is prohibited and ticketable.
Colorado Amendment 64 and CRS §44-10 permit adults twenty-one and over to use cannabis privately, but Boulder Revised Code Title 6 reinforces that consumption is unlawful in any public place, including streets, parks, the Pearl Street Mall, plazas, transit, and parking lots. CU-Boulder campus enforces additional federal-funding-driven restrictions. Boulder Police issue civil citations for first-offense public use, escalating for repeat or near-school incidents. Even on private property, smoking is barred where Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act applies. Tourists frequently misunderstand the rule; Boulder Visit signage clarifies. Hospitality operators may apply for limited consumption licenses under Title 6.
Public consumption tickets carry civil fines, escalating with repeat offenses. Combined offenses near schools or with minors present can be charged under state law as misdemeanors.
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