Defense Attorney Discusses Public Use of Alcohol and Marijuana in Colorado’s Public Parks
Colorado has legalized marijuana, which means you can legally use and carry it on your person. However, that is not to say you can get out to enjoy sunshine and use marijuana or alcohol at your local city park.
Whether you are headed to Cherry Creek Reservoir for a picnic, or you want to play a game in Washington Park with friends, knowing the laws regarding alcohol and marijuana use are important if you want to avoid a citation or criminal charge.
Essential Rules to Know Regarding Marijuana and Alcohol Consumption in City Parks
Drinking and marijuana are allowed in the state, but when it comes to a city or state park, you have restrictions:
- Alcohol is allowed in city and state parks, but only to an extent. You can drink in city and state-run parks throughout Colorado, but only when the percentage of alcohol is 3.2 percent or less. Essentially, this is the limit of light beer or wine spritzers. Craft beers, hard alcohol, and robust wines will not fall into that category. Despite the forward thinking of Colorado toward legalizing marijuana, it is one of the few states to still employ such a restriction on park drinking.
- Glass bottles are not allowed, regardless of alcohol content. You cannot take a glass bottle of any kind, even below the alcohol limit, into a city or state park for safety. Instead, you must use cans or kegs.
- Marijuana is not allowed in state or city parks. Despite legalization, you cannot use marijuana in any form in a state or city park. This includes food items with marijuana contents. The vape pen using marijuana is also prohibited and banned everywhere in the state. Instead, you can only legally use marijuana from the privacy of your home.
- The Parks Department can and will issue citations. The Parks Department has the right to cite you for alcohol and marijuana use. Furthermore, they have the right to contact police, and if you are arrested, you could be charged with more than just drinking in public or breaking city laws. Parks and Recreation already made it clear that they will employ more rangers during the week and even more on the weekends to find and cite those breaking the rules. One citation alone will cost a few hundred dollars. If arrested, you will spend even more.
Arrested for Marijuana Use in a City Park?
If you were arrested for using marijuana or public intoxication in a city or state park, it is imperative you contact a criminal defense attorney.
These are serious charges that could affect you long-term. So, speak with Attorney Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. As a former prosecutor, he knows how the state likes to make an example out of those who violate such rules – even when they are outdated and need to change.
To explore your defense options, speak with him for a no-obligation consultation at 719-577-9700 or request your appointment online.
