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City of Fort Collins
 

Marijuana

Marijuana

home city services Marijuana Marijuana Laws

Applicable Laws Regarding Medical Marijuana#

Effective January 1, 2020, The Colorado Marijuana code was consolidated from Articles 11 (Medical) and 12 (Retail) into a single Article 10 (Regulated Marijuana).  Refer to the Colorado Revised Statutes This link opens in a new browser tab

The Colorado Medical Use of Marijuana Initiative, also known as Amendment 20, was approved by the voters in November 2000. The measure legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes and created an identification card system for patients and caregivers whose marijuana possession was covered by the measure.

In March 2010, the City of Fort Collins enacted a licensing provision for medical marijuana businesses. Applications were accepted from those who held a sales tax license for such purpose prior to the enactment of licensing provisions.

In November 2011, voters approved a citizen-initiated ordinance prohibiting the operation of medical marijuana businesses in Fort Collins. By February 14, 2012, all businesses were closed.

The marijuana business industry drafted its own initiative for the November 2012 ballot that reinstated the licensing of marijuana businesses in Fort Collins. This initiative imposed a limit cap on the number of medical marijuana stores in Fort Collins and gave preferential treatment to those businesses that were forced to close as a result of the 2011 initiative. Fort Collins began accepting applications from previous businesses in January 2013.

The possession and use of marijuana remain a crime under federal law. Persons who use marijuana for medical purposes are subject to criminal prosecution under federal law.

City-Medical Marijuana Cap

Local Laws And Rules/Regulations#

City Code Marijuana Regulation

Applicable Laws Regarding Retail/Recreational Marijuana#

This page provides an overview of the City of Fort Collins's marijuana laws, rules, and regulations, information about current marijuana policy development, and a history of marijuana policy in Fort Collins. 

Any form of business involving marijuana in Fort Collins requires a license or permit. There are several medical and retail marijuana business licenses. Each type has different privileges, requirements, and rules. Businesses that do not follow the rules could be fined, face disciplinary action, or lose their license. 

In November 2012, Colorado voters approved an amendment (Amendment 64) to the state constitution that makes the personal use, possession, and limited home-growing of marijuana legal under Colorado law for adults 21 years of age and older. Amendment 64 also required the State to establish a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol.

The possession and use of marijuana remain a crime under federal law. Persons who use marijuana for recreational purposes are subject to criminal prosecution under federal law.

Effective January 1, 2020, The Colorado Marijuana code was consolidated from Articles 11 (Medical) and 12 (Retail) into a single Article 10 (Regulated Marijuana)

Colorado Revised Statutes: Title 44 Article 10: Regulated Marijuana-Colorado Marijuana Code

Local Laws And Rules/Regulations#

City Code: Marijuana Regulation: Article XVI (medical) and Article XVII (retail)Chapter

History of marijuana and hemp policy in Fort Collins#

A timeline: marijuana legalization and highlights in the City of Fort Collins

2000

  • Colorado voters approved Amendment 20, legalizing medical marijuana

2009

  • The City of Fort Collins adopted a moratorium on the issuance of city sales tax licenses for medical stores

2010

2011

2012

2014

2015-2016

2017

  • The City of Fort Collins added a ballot question to allow the City Council to amend the local medical marijuana code

2018-2019

2020

2021

2022

  • The City of Fort Collins City Manager administratively approves fees relating to regulated marijuana business licenses for Social Equity Applicants

2024

  • The City of Fort Collins City Manager administratively approves fees relating to regulated marijuana business licenses using the CO Price Index (CPI rate) for all business applicants including Social Equity Applicants. Please see the fee pages 
  • SB24-076: Streamline Marijuana. Will have an impact on licensing processes at the local level. Locally, we are seeking a code change to align with the state. 
  • Business licenses will now be valid for two years starting in 2025, instead of the current one-year term.