Step-by-Step: How to Get a Colorado Marijuana Cultivation License (2026 Updates)

Anyone seeking to grow marijuana for sale in Colorado must complete both local and state licensing steps. The process is regulated by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) under Colorado law.

Below I discuss the steps you need to go through to become a licensed cannabis grower in Colorado.

Step 1: Confirm Local Authorization

Before applying for a state license, confirm that the city or county allows marijuana cultivation at your proposed location.

Local governments may:

• Ban cultivation entirely,
• Limit the number of licenses,
• Impose zoning and distance restrictions, and
• Require a separate local marijuana business license.¹

Step 2: Secure a Compliant Location

Your cultivation site must comply with local zoning, building, and fire codes, as well as MED operational rules. Many jurisdictions require proof of site control (such as a lease or deed) before issuing local approval.

Step 3: Determine License Type and Plant Tier

Colorado issues separate cultivation licenses for:

• Retail marijuana, and
• Medical marijuana.

Each license type has multiple plant-count tiers, which affect application fees, renewal fees, and compliance obligations. Plant limits are strictly enforced.³

Step 4: Submit MED Application and Disclosures

Applicants must file an application with the MED that includes:

• Ownership and control disclosures,
• Financial interest disclosures,
• Fingerprints and background checks for controlling persons, and
• Required application fees.

Colorado no longer has a blanket residency requirement, but all owners and controlling individuals must pass MED suitability review.⁴

Step 5: Pass Suitability and Background Review

The MED evaluates whether applicants are suitable to hold a marijuana license, which may include review of:

• Criminal history,
• Financial transparency,
• Undisclosed ownership or control, and
• Prior regulatory violations.

Failure to disclose required information is a common reason for denial.⁵

Step 6: Meet Operational Compliance Requirements

Licensed cultivation facilities must comply with detailed MED regulations governing:

• Seed-to-sale plant tracking,
• Surveillance cameras and security systems,
• Access controls and employee badging,
• Inventory records and waste disposal, and
• Inspections and audits.

Noncompliance can result in fines, suspension, or revocation.⁶

Step 7: Renew and Maintain Compliance

Cultivation licenses generally must be renewed every other year. Licensees must:

• Pay renewal fees,
• Remain compliant with MED rules,
• Maintain local approval, and
• Update the MED regarding changes in ownership, location, or operations.⁷

Applying for a Colorado cultivation license carries fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need local approval before applying to the state?

Yes. In most cases, the MED will not issue a cultivation license unless the city or county has already approved the operation.

Is there still a Colorado residency requirement?

No. Colorado eliminated blanket residency requirements, but all owners and controlling persons must pass MED suitability review.

Can I grow marijuana at home and sell it?

No. Home cultivation is limited to personal use only. Selling marijuana requires a state cultivation license and local approval.

How many plants can a licensed cultivator grow?

Licensed cultivators are limited to the plant tier authorized by their license. Exceeding that limit can result in fines or license revocation.

What if I want to grow just for myself?

Colorado law allows limited personal cultivation without a license:

• Adults 21 and over may grow up to 6 plants, with no more than 3 mature (flowering) plants at a time.
• No more than 12 plants total per residence, regardless of the number of adults living there.
• Plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space and not be visible to the public.

Growing more than these limits, or growing for sale, requires a license.

What if I have a medical marijuana card?

Patients with a current and valid medical marijuana card and their caregiver can collectively possess up to 24 plants at home if they:

• reside in a city or county that puts no limit on the marijuana plants that can be cultivated in a home; and
• register with the state licensing authority; and
• provide notice to the city or county, if the jurisdiction requires it.

What are the penalties for unlawful cultivation?

Growing more than 12 plants in the state of Colorado is a level 1 drug petty offense, carrying a fine of up to $1,000. However, the punishment for a subsequent offense turns on the number of plants involved.

A second-time cultivation offense is a level 1 drug misdemeanor when the amount of plants is 24 or less. Penalties include:

• 6 to 18 months in jail and/or
• $500 to $5,000 in fines.

If there are more than 24 plants, a second-time cultivation offense is a level 3 drug felony. The sentence is:

• 2 to 4 years in Colorado State Prison and/or
• $2,000 to $500,000 in fines.

Note that the prison range is four to six years if you were on parole or probation at the time.

In addition, penalties for unlawful cultivation can lead to asset seizure, civil penalties, and Permanent disqualification from marijuana licensure. Licensed operators are also subject to discipline for regulatory violations.⁸

Additional Resources

For more information, see these Colorado government websites:

• Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) – State agency that licenses retail and medical marijuana businesses.
• Apply For, Renew, or Modify a MED License – Online portal for applying online.
• MED Applications and Forms – List of documents and templates for MED-related issues.
• Compliance Tools – Information re. how to remain in compliance with federal and state law.
• MED – Contact Us – Phone numbers and addresses of MED offices.

Go back to our Colorado marijuana laws main page. See our related article, How to Get a Grower’s License in Colorado.

Legal References