Lakewood, CO Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing law
- Lakewood Municipal Code § 9.43.040
- First-offense fine
- Up to $200
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $500 per violation
- Private-property exception
- Owner, tenant, or their permitted guest
Summary
The City of Lakewood, Colorado (Jefferson County) bans openly and publicly displaying, consuming, or using marijuana anywhere in the city, with escalating fines up to $500 for repeat violations.
A.It is unlawful for any person to openly and publicly display, consume, or use marijuana. ... D.Penalty. Except as described in Section 18-1-711, C.R.S., a person who openly and publicly displays, consumes, or uses two ounces or less of marijuana shall be punished by a fine of up to $200.00 for a first violation within a calendar year, and a fine not to exceed $300.00 for a second violation within a calendar year, and a fine not to exceed $500.00 for each additional violation within a calendar year.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
In Lakewood, Colorado, Jefferson County's largest city, Municipal Code § 9.43.040 makes it unlawful to openly and publicly display, consume, or use marijuana anywhere the public has access, including sidewalks, parks, and common areas of buildings. The ban does not reach private residential property when the person is the owner, a leaseholder, or has the owner's or lessee's permission. A first violation of two ounces or less draws up to a $200 fine, a second up to $300, and each additional violation within the same calendar year up to $500; larger amounts are possession instead.
Violations & Fines
Fines run $200 for a first offense, $300 for a second, and up to $500 for each additional violation in the same calendar year; larger amounts are charged as possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke marijuana on my own porch in Lakewood, CO?
What's the fine for openly using marijuana in a Lakewood park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Colorado public conduct overview
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Public Marijuana Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle public marijuana use.