Colorado is notorious for being one of the first states to allow legal marijuana sales. Even though marijuana is still illegal federally, it’s legal at the state level. This trend has since spread across much of the United States.
However, even under legality, there are still many restrictions and regulations that have to be followed. For instance, sales can only be made at licensed dispensaries. Individuals can’t sell marijuana to one another. Plus, the dispensaries themselves have regulations that they must pay attention to, even when properly licensed.
Age limits
For instance, dispensaries cannot sell to minors. Buyers have to be at least 21 years old. Dispensaries need to check IDs and ensure that they’re not selling to anyone who is underage.
Limited hours
There are also limits regarding when a marijuana business can be open. Generally, it can’t open before 8 a.m., and it has to close by midnight. Local municipalities may have even stricter regulations than those at the state level.
Packaging and labeling requirements
Packaging has to be child-resistant, and it has to make it clear that there is THC in the product. The label needs to inform the user of the THC content and state that they may not consume the product unless they are 21.
Furthermore, there is a specific THC symbol—the letters “THC” with an exclamation point above them, inside of a diamond—that needs to be put on the packaging. This way, even someone who can’t read should see the symbol and understand that it’s a marijuana product.
Paying taxes
Under Colorado law, there is a 15% retail tax on marijuana products. Dispensaries need to apply this tax for recreational products, although not all medical marijuana products need to be taxed at the same rate.
These are just a few examples of regulations that prospective business owners need to be aware of when opening a new marijuana dispensary.
