Where Can You Consume Cannabis in Denver?

Private property is the starting point

Colorado guidance identifies private property as the general option for cannabis use. That permission comes from the property owner, not from the legality of the purchase. Ask specifically about cannabis — not just tobacco or smoking — and about the exact space and method of consumption. A hotel room is private space, but the property's policy determines whether cannabis is allowed.

Sources: Cannabis Laws in Colorado.

What Denver and Colorado treat as public

Colorado law prohibits use in any public place, including sidewalks, parks, ski resorts, concert venues, restaurants, cafes, bars, and the common areas of apartment buildings and condominiums. Denver independently prohibits consuming marijuana openly and publicly. Both rules apply to federal land such as national parks and national forests. The category includes most outdoor spaces beyond your accommodation's private area.

Sources: Cannabis Laws in Colorado; Marijuana Consumption.

Licensed hospitality establishments

Denver licenses three types of marijuana hospitality businesses: a standard hospitality business (bring your own marijuana), a hospitality and sales business (on-site sales and consumption), and a mobile hospitality business. These require both a state MED hospitality license and a Denver Excise and Licenses permit. Liquor-licensed premises may not permit cannabis consumption under any arrangement. Until July 1, 2027, Denver hospitality licenses are reserved for qualified social equity applicants.

Sources: Marijuana Licenses FAQ; Marijuana Consumption.

Vehicles are not an alternative

Colorado prohibits opening a cannabis package and consuming cannabis in a vehicle, even when the vehicle is parked or not moving. A broken package seal with evidence of vehicle use is itself a traffic offense. A car, rideshare, or shuttle is not a substitute for a permitted consumption setting. The vehicle rule applies to drivers and passengers equally.

Sources: Driving and Traveling with Cannabis.

What this guide does not promise

This guide does not name or verify any currently operating hospitality establishment. The hospitality licensing framework is real, but the roster of active licenses can change. Before planning a visit around a specific venue, verify its current city and state licensing status through Denver Excise and Licenses and the MED lookup tool. Use the Denver directory to research shopping options separately from where you plan to consume.

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