Cannabis Compliance in Colorado
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
Colorado was the first US state to legalize adult-use cannabis (2014). MED operates one of the most mature regulatory programs. Detailed track-and-trace and employee badging rules. Lower retention requirement than California but more granular operational rules.
Colorado Cannabis Compliance — Top Requirements
- METRC reporting within 24 hours of most events
- Employee occupational licenses (badges) renewable every 2 years
- 3-year retention on all marijuana business records
- 40-day minimum video retention covering required coverage areas
- Stringent transport manifest rules with route deviation reporting
- Detailed packaging and labeling requirements including potency display
| Regulator | Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) (official site) |
| Rule set | 1 CCR 212-3 (Marijuana Rules) |
| Track-and-trace | METRC |
| Record retention | 3 years (1 CCR 212-3) |
| Video retention | 40 days minimum |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates cannabis in Colorado?
Cannabis in Colorado is regulated by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED). The official rule set is published in 1 CCR 212-3 (Marijuana Rules). The regulator is responsible for licensing, METRC reporting enforcement, lab testing oversight, transport rules, and operational compliance enforcement.
What track-and-trace system does Colorado use?
Colorado uses METRC for cannabis seed-to-sale tracking. Every plant must be tagged at the immature stage. Every package must carry a unique tag. Every event (planting, harvest, transfer, conversion, sale, destruction) must be reported in the system within state-specific reporting windows.
How long must cannabis records be retained in Colorado?
Colorado requires 3 years (1 CCR 212-3) retention on all cannabis transaction records. Retention applies even if a license is surrendered or revoked. Records must be retrievable to Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) inspectors within state-specified response windows, typically 24-72 hours.
What video retention is required in Colorado?
Colorado requires 40 days minimum of video surveillance footage. Coverage typically includes vault, retail floor, scale areas, cultivation rooms, transport loading, and exterior. Camera failures must be reported to Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) within 24 hours.