Home Cannabis Cultivation in Colorado: What You Need to Know

You can legally have a cannabis home grow in Colorado, but you're limited to six plants per adult and twelve per household. Keep all plants in a secure, enclosed space and out of public view.

In 2012, Colorado legalized recreational cannabis through Amendment 64. Today, adults over 21 have the right to grow cannabis at home, but that freedom comes with apparent limitations. Whether you're a new grower or just curious about the rules, it's critical to understand what's allowed and what can land you in legal trouble. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow legally and responsibly in the Centennial State.

How many cannabis plants can you legally grow in Colorado?

In Colorado, adults aged 21 and over can grow a maximum of six cannabis plants per person. However, only three of those plants can be mature (flowering) at a time. This rule applies even if you live with multiple adults. The maximum household limit is 12 plants, regardless of the number of adults living there.

Some local governments impose stricter limits. For example, Denver enforces the 12-plant household maximum even if more than two adults live in the home. Always check with your city or county for specific regulations.

Violating plant limits can result in severe consequences. Exceeding the legal number of plants may be charged as a criminal offense, and large-scale violations can result in felony distribution charges.

Do you have to grow cannabis indoors in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado law requires growers to keep all cannabis plants inside a locked, enclosed area that remains hidden from public view. In other words, growing in open backyards or on balconies is not allowed, even if your property is fenced.

Some counties allow outdoor cultivation, but the area must still be secure and locked. In practice, a shed, greenhouse, or garage with a locking door is often the best option.

Make sure to keep grow lights, smells, and ventilation discreet—neighbors can file complaints, and that may trigger an inspection or legal trouble.

How do you keep your cannabis grow legal and safe from children?

Colorado law is very strict about keeping cannabis and cannabis plants out of the hands of minors. If you have children at home, your grow area must be completely inaccessible to anyone under 21.

To meet these requirements, you should:

• Install childproof locks
• Keep the grow in a separate, locked room
• Block any visibility from shared or common areas

Violating these child safety rules can result in criminal charges, including child endangerment, and may involve Child Protective Services.

What happens if you break Colorado’s cannabis grow laws?

Breaking Colorado’s cannabis cultivation laws can lead to:

• Fines for minor infractions (e.g., growing too many plants)
• Misdemeanor or felony charges for more serious violations
• Child endangerment charges if minors are exposed

Colorado law enforcement takes illegal cultivation seriously, especially when violations suggest the potential for black-market sales. Stay informed and compliant to protect yourself.

Can you sell the cannabis you grow at home?

No. Home cultivation is for personal use only. While you can share cannabis with another adult 21+ (up to 2 oz), selling any amount is illegal unless you are a licensed dispensary.

In addition, cannabis must stay within state lines. Taking your homegrown stash across state borders, even into another legal state, is a federal crime.

Can renters or tenants grow cannabis in Colorado?

Yes, but with limitations. Landlords are allowed to prohibit cannabis cultivation in lease agreements. As a result, landlords may evict tenants for growing cannabis, even if that cultivation is legal under state law.

Always check your lease for any clauses related to cannabis. If your lease doesn’t mention cannabis, ask your landlord directly and get written permission before you start a grow.

Do cities and counties have their own growth rules?

Local laws matter. Some cities and counties impose tighter regulations:

• Denver: Enforces a hard 12-plant household limit. Grow areas must meet specific zoning and fire safety standards.
• Colorado Springs: The city bans recreational cannabis sales and only allows home growing for registered medical patients.
• Boulder, Fort Collins: May require odor control and other zoning restrictions.

Check with your local government or city website before starting to grow.

Can medical cannabis patients grow more plants?

Colorado’s medical cannabis program allows patients to grow more than six plants if medically necessary. To do this, patients must:

• Have a valid medical marijuana card
• Obtain a doctor’s recommendation for an Extended Plant Count (EPC)
• Register their grow site with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)

In some cases, patients can legally grow up to 24 or more plants, but they must still comply with zoning and security rules.

What are some final tips to stay compliant with Colorado grow laws?

Here are a few tips to keep your growth legal and low-risk:

• Label your grow room clearly
• Use a timer and keep your light schedule consistent
• Avoid smells leaking into shared spaces
• Keep records of your plant count and stages
• Stay up to date with local ordinances

When in doubt, consult an attorney or local official familiar with Colorado’s cannabis regulations.

Is growing cannabis at home in Colorado worth it?

Growing cannabis at home in Colorado is a legal right, but it comes with responsibilities. Stay under the plant limit, keep your grow secure and childproof, and always follow local laws.

To make it easier, use BudSites to stay organized, document your grow, and ensure compliance. With BudSites, you can track plant counts, add photos, monitor your environment, and access AI-powered tips to improve your grow.

Get started today at budsites.com and grow smarter with confidence.