COLORADO CANNABIS COMPLIANCE GUIDE
Complete 2025-2026 Deep Dive | Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED)
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Effective Through: January 5, 2026 (new rules effective)
Version: 2025.4
🎯 QUICK REFERENCE
Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED)
📞 Phone: (303) 205-2300
📧 Email: DOR_MED@state.co.us
🌐 Website: https://med.colorado.gov
📍 Office: 1707 Cole Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80401
Metrc Colorado:
📞 Support: (877) 566-6506
📧 Email: support@metrc.com
🌐 Login: https://co.metrc.com
Emergency/After Hours: Use MED inquiry form at med.colorado.gov
CannaSecure
⚡ WHAT'S NEW FOR 2025-2026
MAJOR CHANGES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 5, 2026:
✅ Licensing Simplification (SB 24-076 & HB 25-1209)
- Unified application process for multi-license holders
- Lower fees for businesses with same ownership across multiple licenses
- Name-based background checks replace fingerprint-based (faster, cheaper)
- Social equity eligibility criteria changes (applications after Feb 1, 2025)
✅ Operational Rule Updates
- "Production Batch" concept replaces "Harvest Batch" in many cases
- Updated packaging requirements for pre-rolls
- New inventory limits for mixed indoor/outdoor cultivators
- "R-and-D Units" replace "Sampling Units" (streamlined employee sampling)
✅ Testing Updates
- Potency testing aligned with hemp standards (where appropriate)
- Contaminant testing updates
- Reduced Testing Allowance requires 80% compliance score
- Surveillance testing program announced (Sept 2025)
✅ Product Changes
- Non-cannabis food/beverages allowed at licensed premises (SB 24-076)
- Expiration date requirements for edible products (effective Feb 6, 2025)
- Updated advertising rules for marijuana concentrate
✅ Genetic Material Procurement
- Cultivation facilities can obtain seeds/immature plants from ANY licensed jurisdiction
- Expanded definition of "genetic material" includes tissue culture
- THC concentration limit: ≤0.3% on dry weight basis
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1: COLORADO CANNABIS LANDSCAPE
1.1 Colorado Cannabis Market Overview
1.2 License Types & Requirements
1.3 MED vs Local Jurisdiction Authority
1.4 Medical vs Retail Cannabis Differences
1.5 Key Regulatory Dates for 2025-2026
PART 2: LICENSING & BUSINESS FORMATION
2.1 License Application Process (2026 Updates)
2.2 Unified Licensing (Multi-Location Operators)
2.3 Background Checks (New Name-Based System)
2.4 Social Equity Licensing
2.5 License Fees & Renewal Timeline
2.6 Controlling Beneficial Ownership (CBO) Requirements
PART 3: METRC COMPLIANCE (COLORADO-SPECIFIC)
3.1 Colorado Metrc Requirements
3.2 Sync Requirements: 15-Minute Maximum
3.3 RFID Tag Requirements (All Plants & Packages)
3.4 API Security & Credential Management
3.5 Daily Reconciliation Procedures
3.6 Common Metrc Violations & Penalties
PART 4: CULTIVATION COMPLIANCE
4.1 Plant Count Limits
4.2 Immature Plant Definitions
4.3 Plant Tracking (Seed to Harvest)
4.4 Environmental Compliance & Reporting
4.5 Waste Disposal Requirements
4.6 Genetic Material Procurement (2026 Updates)
PART 5: MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING
5.1 Production Batch Tracking (New 2026 Rules)
5.2 Extraction Methods & Safety
5.3 Infused Product Manufacturing
5.4 R-and-D Units (New Employee Sampling Rules)
5.5 Quality Control Procedures
5.6 Centralized Distribution Permits
PART 6: TESTING REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Mandatory Testing Overview
6.2 Reduced Testing Allowance (80% Compliance Score)
6.3 Potency Testing Standards
6.4 Contaminant Testing Requirements
6.5 Test Batch Creation
6.6 Failed Test Procedures
6.7 Approved Testing Facilities
PART 7: RETAIL & DISPENSARY OPERATIONS
7.1 Store Operations & Customer Flow
7.2 Age Verification (Dual Check Requirement)
7.3 Sales Limits & Tracking
7.4 Exit Packaging Requirements
7.5 Cash Handling Procedures
7.6 Employee Training (Responsible Vendor Program)
PART 8: PACKAGING & LABELING
8.1 Child-Resistant Packaging (Mandatory)
8.2 Opaque Exit Packaging
8.3 Label Requirements (Complete Checklist)
8.4 THC/CBD Potency Statements
8.5 Expiration Dates (New Edible Requirements)
8.6 Decontaminated Product Labeling (2025)
8.7 Pre-Roll Packaging Updates (2026)
PART 9: SECURITY & SURVEILLANCE
9.1 Video Surveillance Requirements
9.2 40-Day Retention Minimum
9.3 Camera Placement & Coverage
9.4 Monthly Equipment Testing Protocols
9.5 Access Control Systems
9.6 Alarm Systems & Monitoring
9.7 Transport Security
PART 10: ADVERTISING & MARKETING
10.1 Permitted Advertising Channels
10.2 Prohibited Marketing Practices
10.3 Social Media Guidelines
10.4 Identity Statement Requirements
10.5 New Concentrate Advertising Rules (2025)
PART 11: TRANSPORT & DISTRIBUTION
11.1 Manifest Requirements
11.2 Vehicle Requirements
11.3 Route Planning & Documentation
11.4 Unreceived Manifest Procedures
11.5 Centralized Distribution Operations
PART 12: EMPLOYEE COMPLIANCE
12.1 Support License vs Associated Key License
12.2 Badge Application Process
12.3 In-Person Appointments (Lakewood, CO Springs, Grand Junction)
12.4 Responsible Vendor Program (Minimum Instruction Time)
12.5 Employee Sampling (R-and-D Units)
12.6 Termination Procedures
PART 13: ENFORCEMENT & PENALTIES
13.1 Colorado Tiered Penalty System
13.2 Common Violations & Fines
13.3 License Suspension Triggers
13.4 License Revocation Scenarios
13.5 Administrative Hearing Process
13.6 Appeal Procedures
PART 14: AUDITS & INSPECTIONS
14.1 What MED Auditors Check
14.2 Announced vs Unannounced Inspections
14.3 Pre-Audit Checklist (90-Day Prep)
14.4 During the Audit: Do's and Don'ts
14.5 Responding to Violations
14.6 Corrective Action Plans
PART 15: SPECIAL TOPICS
15.1 Multi-State Operator (MSO) Compliance
15.2 Vertical Integration Strategies
15.3 Banking & Financial Compliance
15.4 IRS 280E Documentation
15.5 Environmental Sustainability Requirements
15.6 Hemp vs Marijuana Distinctions
