How Many Pot Plants in Colorado?

As one of the first states in the United States to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana, Colorado's cannabis industry has been booming. With more and more dispensaries opening and growing facilities popping up all over the state, it's a natural question to ask: how many pot plants are being grown in Colorado?

The State's Regulations

Before we explore the actual number of pot plants in Colorado, it's worth taking a look at the state's regulations surrounding cannabis cultivation. In 2014, Colorado legalized the growing of up to six plants for personal use for those 21 and older. However, this limit is lifted if you hold a medical marijuana card or if you're an authorized cannabis business.

For commercial cultivation, the Colorado Department of Revenue regulates and oversees the state's cannabis industry. Regulations limit the total number of plants a grow facility can have at any given time to 12,000, but this number varies depending on the facility's size and whether it serves medical or recreational customers.

The Numbers

So, how many pot plants are actually being grown in Colorado? According to a report by the state's Marijuana Enforcement Division, there were 1.48 million cannabis plants being grown in the state as of June 2020. Of those plants, around 1.12 million were being grown for the recreational market, while the remaining 364,000 were being grown for medical purposes.

Breaking the number down further, the report revealed that there were 931 licensed cannabis cultivators in Colorado at the time, each growing an average of 1,590 plants. The majority of these cultivators (about 69%) were growing for the recreational market.

The Future of Cannabis in Colorado

With more states legalizing cannabis for medical and recreational purposes, it's clear that marijuana is becoming an accepted and lucrative industry. As Colorado continues to set the standard for the rest of the country, it's likely that we'll see an increase in the number of pot plants being grown in the state. However, the regulations and oversight put in place by the state's government ensure that the industry remains safe, responsible, and focused on creating high-quality products for customers.

Overall, while the actual number of pot plants in Colorado is relatively high, it's important to remember that their cultivation is carefully regulated and monitored. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, we'll likely see even more progress in creating a safe, productive, and profitable market in the years to come.