To get a marijuana cultivation license in Colorado, complete the MED New Regulated Marijuana Business License Application and submit it to the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED).
The cannabis cultivation application can be submitted digitally or dropped off or mailed to 1697 Cole Blvd., Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80401. (MED will conduct credit and background checks on you as part of the application process.)
How much does a grow license cost?
Several thousands of dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on whether the facility is for recreational marijuana or medical marijuana. There are also annual renewal costs, and the application and license fees increase the more “controlling beneficial owners” there are.
Click here for the latest fee schedule, which became effective on August 7, 2024.1
Do I need a license to grow marijuana for myself?
No. If you are at least 21 years old, you may lawfully grow up to six marijuana plants in your Colorado residence. However, no more than three of the plants can be in the mature/flowering state.
Note that a maximum of 12 marijuana plants are allowed in one residence, even if more than two adults reside there. Furthermore, the plants must be stowed in a locked area away from children and pets.2
Also note that 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.3
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.4
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
- 1 Colorado Code Register (CCR) 212–3. CRS 44-10-101 et. seq. Licensing Information, Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED), Colorado Department of Revenue. 1 CCR 212-3-2-205.
- CRS 18-18-406.
- Article XVIII, section 14 of the Colorado Constitution. CRS 18-18-406. See also People v. Garcia-Gonzalez (Court of Appeals of Colorado, Division Two, 2020) 2020 COA 166. CRS 25-1.5-106. See also People v. Cox (Court of Appeals of Colorado, Division One, 2021) 2021 COA 68.
- CRS 18-18-406.
