How to Get Your Marijuana Badge in Colorado

I get to talk to a lot of interesting people when I go into dispensaries. I’m certain you have too, if you’ve managed to visit any one of Colorado’s fine marijuana retailers. What’s always amazing to me, however, is just the sheer number of people who have picked up everything, and relocated to Colorado, just for a chance at getting into the industry. What better place for it to happen? I mean, the Gold Rush of 1859 is proof that Colorado already has a history of attracting people at their hopes of joining an industry that is exploding with riches and opportunities. If you’re planning on leaving your old state behind to become a member of this huge industry, hold on. You first have to make sure you even qualify for an occupational license. So, how does the process work, and now, a little more than a year after recreational store have opened, what does the process look like?

How Do You Qualify for a Colorado Marijuana Badge?

Before even considering jumping into the marijuana industry in Colorado, the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) has several strict requirements to even apply for your occupational license. Before getting to that list, one huge requirement is, and this should be common sense, you MUST be a Colorado resident. Obviously, the easiest way to prove residency is via a Colorado Drivers’ License, or a Colorado State ID. To get your Colorado ID, you have to prove that you live here. That means, before you even apply for your MED badge, you’ll need to bring in a utility bill from an address in Colorado, a credit card statement, a pay stub, or anything else that shows you live here.

Okay, once you’ve gotten that residency thing out of the way, you also need to make sure you:

Are at least 21 years old.

Have never been convicted of a felony related to the possession, distribution, or use of any controlled substance.

been convicted of a felony related to the possession, distribution, or use of any controlled substance. Have not served a sentence, including probation or parole, of any felony in the last five years.

felony in the last five years. Are not a licensed physician making patient recommendations.

Have never had your authority to act as a primary caregiver revoked by the state.

Are not the spouse or child, living in the house with any employee of the MED.

Are not a police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or prosecuting officer.

Are not an officer or employee of the marijuana state licensing authority or a local licensing authority.

Unfortunately, if you do not satisfy any of these requirements, you will not be allowed to get your marijuana occupational license.

Getting Your Colorado Marijuana Occupational License

If you’re still saying “Cool, I can still work in the industry,” great! The next step is deciding what occupational license you want to apply for. Typically, the license you want to get is the Support Employee license. This license is designed for anyone who works in the industry who does not make any management or operational decisions. If you’ve been hired on at a place specifically as a manager, or anyone else involved in the operations that directly impact the business, however, you’ll need to apply for the Key Employee License.

You’ll need to fill out your application, which you can find here:

Marijuana Support And Key Badge MED Occupational Licensing

Make sure that you read the application carefully. You need to disclose any arrests related to a controlled substance since turning 18, any arrests or convictions in the last ten years. You’ll also need to disclose any delinquencies of monies owed to the government, such as back taxes. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get your occupational license if you still owe the government any money. Once that’s all good and dandy, bring the application with you to the MED office, along with any documents required, such as any court dispositions, proof of residency documents, descriptions of tattoos on your body (seriously!) . Make sure that you also bring the application fee with you, which is $75 for the Support License, and $250 for the Key License. Currently, the MED accepts either cash or check (made out to the MED).

Currently, the MED operates out of four different offices, but their Denver office is the only one that currently accepts walk-ins. Everywhere else, you’ll need to set up an appointment by calling the office directly. The MED has offices in Denver, Longmont, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction.

Now, when I was getting my badge, I went to the Denver office, which starts taking walk-ins at 8:00 AM. I got there a little after eight, and for me, the process was extremely quick and painless. You’ll sign in, and you’ll be told to sit in a room with the other cannabis industry hopefuls. Then, after a little bit, they’ll call you to submit your application and any auxillary documents you’ve brought with you. Then, more waiting. Then, you get your picture taken and your fingerprints done. After another quick wait, they’ll have you write your current address on an envelope, which they will send out to you once you’ve passed Colorado’s intensive background check. These days, the badge typically takes 7-10 days to arrive. Now, I may have gotten lucky, because I walked into the MED office on a day that the weather was absolutely terrible, so I was in and out in around an hour. However, I still recommend going early, because the Denver office will see an average of 60 people a day applying for their licenses. While this volume is still a far-cry away from the lottery system that used to be in place, plan to spend a few hours at the office.

So there you have it. If you’re able to prove to the state of Colorado that you’re squeaky clean enough, you’ll get your badge. The badges are good for two years, and you will be reminded to renew your badge one month before it expires. This process can all be done online, and will only cost $75, and you never have to go into the MED office again. Pretty sweet deal. Being badged is oftentimes required before applying to any cannabis industry jobs. Even if it isn’t required, it certainly looks better for the employer, knowing that you can start right away. Best of luck!