Marijuana licensing and regulations

**Effective March 24, 2020, the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners passed Resolution No.  2020-18 that allows for temporary suspensions of marijuana licensing and land use regulations in line with Governor Jared Polis’ Executive Order D 2020-011. Marijuana customers may purchase marijuana and marijuana products remotely (online or by telephone) and pick up purchased orders curbside at the retail shop. This resolution remains in effect until either the expiration of the Executive Order on April 18, 2020 or such time as any stricter regulations by the State of Colorado or Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division are issued.**

The information below pertains to regulations in unincorporated La Plata County. If you have general questions about marijuana licensing in La Plata County or how to apply for a marijuana business license, please contact the county’s Licensing Coordinator by email or  (970) 382-6252.

If you are interested in applying for a business license, please review the New Applicant information section. If you are a current business license holder, please visit the Licensee information section. 

For licensing information within the Durango city limits, please visit their web site  or (970) 375-5010.

All marijuana licenses are issued by dual authorities: La Plata County and the State of Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED). In order for La Plata County to issue or renew a license, the business must also be approved by the State of Colorado, as well as possess a Land Use Permit for the facility.  

Land Use Regulations
Every licensed marijuana business must have land use approval from the La Plata County Planning Department. A marijuana business license will not be issued unless a land use permit for the property is also issued. For questions about land use code and the process of getting a land use permit, please contact the Planning Department at (970) 382-6263.

Water Requirements
The Colorado Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Water regulates water wells in Colorado and has published an informational sheet on Well and Water Use in Regards to Cultivation of Marijuana.