Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012 with State Amendment 64. The state remains a leader in the cannabis industry, generating billions in revenue. Below is detail info on key aspects of cannabis in Colorado.
Mason Tvert, co-director of the Amendment 64 campaign, played a pivotal role in legalization efforts through the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP).
Brian Vicente, a lawyer and co-author of Amendment 64, founded Vicente Sederberg LLP, a leading cannabis law firm.
Jared Polis, the current governor and the first openly pro-cannabis governor in the U.S., supported legalization early in his career and continues to advocate for industry growth.
Michael Strang, a Republican legislator, introduced one of the first bills to legalize cannabis in 1973.
Other key figures include Wayward Bill Chengelis, a longtime activist; Ken Gorman, founder of the Colorado Non-Profit Hemp Center; and Rachel K. Gillette, an attorney focused on cannabis rights.
Colorado's cannabis market has innovative brands in flower, edibles, and concentrates.
Green Dot Labs (known for strains like A5 Wagyu and Thunderdome), have earned awards in 2025.
Kaviar leads in pre-roll sales in the state with $7.7M, followed by Cali-Blaze and Pure Blaze.
Other premium flower brands include Artsy, Bonsai, and Seed & Smith. Although it's worth noting that Bloom County and Billo Premium Cannabis won at the THC Classic 2025.
Colorado's cannabis politics date back all the way to 1973, when reform attempts began. Amendment 64 passed in 2012 legalizing recreational use in the state of Colorado and sales began in 2014. Colorado is the first U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana.
As of 2025, adults can possess one ounce, buy from licensed retailers, and grow six plants, but public use is banned.
Colorado has created many popular marijuana strains. Ghost Train Haze, a sativa, won awards for its head high and citrus flavors.
Gorilla Glue #4 (GG4), known for sticky resin and earthy diesel taste, emerged from Colorado growers and excels in relaxation.
Golden Goat, a sativa-hybrid with fruity, spicy notes, originated in the state and remains a staple for uplifting effects.
Flo, a balanced hybrid with sweet, earthy vibes, and Cherry Pie, offering berry scents and calm, also hail from Colorado genetics.
Other icons include Durban Poison, Sour Apple, Strawberry Diesel, and classics like Bubba Kush and Cheese variants.
The annual Mile High 420 Festival in Denver's Civic Center Park draws crowds for music, vendors, and good weed.
Colorado's cannabis economy reached $2.59 billion in 2024, is projected to hit $2.99 billion in 2025 and $9 billion by 2034, driven by recreational sales.
However, early 2025 saw a $20 million sales drop, with wholesale prices 20-30% lower due to saturation in the market.
Tax revenue exceeds $387 million annually, supporting jobs in over 2,700 businesses.
Denver is a hub for 420-friendly activities. Colorado Cannabis Tours offers guided experiences like Wake and Bake classes and Puff Pass and Paint.
Loopr provides mobile lounges for food and cannabis pairings, while Seed & Smith hosts free 45-minute grow tours.
Packages include multi-day deals with tours and classes, and events like the Mile High 420 Festival attract visitors.
Challenges in the Colorado cannabis market include market saturation leading to price drops and a black market (that some estimate to be 70-80% of sales).
Federal conflicts like banking hurdles and regulation remain a challenge as well for Colorado cannabis companies.
Recreational cannabis was legalized in 2012 through Amendment 64, allowing adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce and grow up to six plants (three mature).
