Question 1

How many dispensaries are in Denver?

Accepted Answer

Denver has approximately 150–160 licensed retail (recreational) cannabis dispensaries, making it one of the most dispensary-dense cities in the US per capita. Including medical-only stores, the total is higher. Over 600 marijuana business licenses of all types (retail, medical, cultivators, manufacturers, testing labs) are active in Denver. The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) maintains the master license database.

Question 2

Where are the most dispensaries in Denver?

Accepted Answer

The highest concentrations of Denver dispensaries are along Colfax Avenue, the Santa Fe Arts District, RiNo, and Federal Boulevard. Denver zoning requires 1,000-foot buffers from schools, childcare facilities, and drug treatment centers. This limits dispensaries in some residential areas. Some neighborhoods (Cherry Creek, Park Hill) have no dispensaries due to community opposition or zoning restrictions.

Question 3

Is cannabis legal in Denver?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Colorado Amendment 64 (2012) legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21+. Possession of up to 1 ounce is legal. Purchase from licensed retailers is legal. Consumption is permitted on private property (not all rental properties permit it — check your lease). Public consumption is illegal (fines $100–$999). Denver has a Social Consumption license for designated venues. Driving under the influence of cannabis (>5ng THC in blood) is illegal.

Question 4

What are Denver's cannabis taxes?

Accepted Answer

Colorado cannabis taxes: 15% state excise tax + 15% state retail marijuana sales tax + Denver's 5.5% special local sales tax = approximately 35.5% total tax on top of base price for recreational purchases. Medical cannabis has lower taxes. Colorado has raised over $2 billion in cannabis tax revenue since 2014, funding education, public health, and infrastructure. Denver uses local cannabis tax revenue for community programs.

Question 5

What types of cannabis products can I buy in Denver?

Accepted Answer

Licensed Denver dispensaries sell: flower (traditional cannabis), pre-rolls, vape cartridges, edibles (gummies, chocolates, beverages), tinctures/oils, topicals (creams, patches), and concentrates (wax, shatter, live resin). Colorado has a 10mg THC maximum per serving for edibles (100mg per package). Out-of-state visitors may purchase but may not transport cannabis across state lines — federally illegal.

Denver Dispensary Map 2026

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