Drug Charges in Colorado

Like so many other charges in Colorado, drug charges and the consequences of being accused of drug-related crimes vary on the offense. The Colorado courts system will treat processing, selling, manufacturing, or using controlled substances differently. 

With so many nuances to drug charges, with the help of an experienced legal team or attorney, there are many ways to fight a Colorado drug charge. 

Legal Drugs in Colorado

A common misconception is that the use of marijuana has no limitations in Colorado. However, Colorado has legalized the possession of marijuana to individuals above the age of 21 with limited circumstances. For example, possessing over two ounces or any amount if you’re under 21 is a crime in Colorado. Of course, if you’re using it for medical reasons, you are permitted to have it on your person under age 21. 

If you’re on federally owned property such as National Parks, airports, courthouses, the Veterans Administration, and post offices, you’re not allowed to possess any amount of marijuana.

Illegal Drugs in Colorado 

In Colorado, controlled substances are sectioned into five different “schedules” in order from one to five. They’re separated according to their likelihood of abuse. The different schedules are: 

• Schedule I: These drugs include heroin and hallucinogens like LSD, PCP, psilocybin, mescaline, and peyote. They’re placed in this category for their high potential for abuse and so far do not have any official medical use and have also been categorized as unsafe for use in treatment. Psilocybin was decriminalized in May 2019, so it remains illegal, but you won’t be prosecuted for processing it. 

• Schedule II: Like schedule I substances, schedule II substances also have a high potential for abuse. However, unlike schedule I drugs, they have potential medical effects even though they might result in severe psychological and physical dependence. These substances include prescription opioid pain pills like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, methadone, cocaine, and methamphetamines. 

• Schedule III: These substances have lesser abuse potential and can be used for accepted medical use. However, these can still cause dependence if used incorrectly or frequently. Schedule III drugs include barbiturates, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and medication that includes small amounts of codeine. 

• Schedule IV: these drugs have a lower potential abuse rate and have been made acceptable for medical use. However, they have caused limited psychological and physical dependence, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications such as Valium and sleep aids like Ambien. 

• Schedule V: These drugs are the least dangerous and are currently and widely accepted for medical use. These include things like over-the-counter cough syrup and cold medications that contain very small amounts of codeine.

Contact our Colorado Drug Crimes Attorneys Today For Help

Liberty Law Center’s dedicated team of drug charge attorneys is ready to take on your case and fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.