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Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Home Marijuana Cultivation Plant Limits Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
CRS 18-18-406(3); Art. XVIII 16
Per adult
6 plants, 3 flowering
Per residence
12 plants (up to 16 local)
Location
Enclosed, locked, not visible

Summary

Colorado constitutionally permits adults to grow marijuana at home but caps the total plants per residential property regardless of how many adults live there, preempting higher local limits.

(II) (A) Regardless of whether the plants are for medical or recreational use, it is unlawful for a person to knowingly cultivate, grow, or produce more than twelve marijuana plants on or in a residential property; or to knowingly allow more than twelve marijuana plants to be cultivated, grown, or produced on or in a residential property. (B) Except as provided in section 25-1.5-106 (8.5)(a.5)(I) or section 25-1.5-106 (8.6)(a)(I.5) for a medical marijuana patient or a primary caregiver with a twenty-four- marijuana-plant-count exception to subsection (3)(a)(II)(A) of this section, it is not a violation of subsection (3)(a)(II)(A) of this section if a county, municipality, or city and county law expressly permits the cultivation, growth, or production of more than twelve marijuana plants on or in a residential property and the person is cultivating, growing, or producing the plants in an enclosed and locked space and within the limit set by the county, municipality, or city and county where the plants are located.

Source: C.R.S. 18-18-406 - Offenses relating to marijuanaView official code

Full Breakdown

Article XVIII Section 16 of the Colorado Constitution and C.R.S. 18-18-406 allow adults 21 and older to cultivate up to six marijuana plants for personal use, with no more than three flowering at one time. C.R.S. 18-18-406(3), enacted by HB17-1220, caps total plants on a residential property at twelve regardless of occupancy, though a local jurisdiction may permit up to sixteen, and registered medical patients may grow more. Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space not visible from a public place, and sale or distribution of homegrown product is prohibited.

Violations & Penalties

Exceeding plant limits can constitute felony cultivation under CRS 18-18-406, with penalties scaling by quantity, plus civil forfeiture of equipment and product.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many marijuana plants can I grow at home in Colorado?
Adults 21+ may grow up to six plants each, with three flowering, but a residential property is capped at twelve plants total regardless of how many adults live there.
Can I grow marijuana outdoors in Colorado?
Plants must be in an enclosed, locked space not visible from any public place. Open backyard cultivation is generally not compliant with state law.
Can I sell marijuana I grow at home?
No. Home-cultivated marijuana is for personal use only. Selling, bartering, or distributing homegrown cannabis without a state license is a criminal offense in Colorado.

Sources

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