National Testing Services Contact

Drug testing in Colorado

State laws, marijuana laws, and employer compliance

Recreational marijuana: LegalMedical marijuana: LegalDOT rules apply nationwide
Call 601-602-2445Choose another state

For employers

Colorado drug testing laws

Governing law

Colorado Revised Statutes; Colorado marijuana laws; Colorado Medical Marijuana Program; Coats v. Dish Network (Colorado Supreme Court, 2015)

What you can do

Employer rights

  • Pre-employment testing is permitted
  • Random testing is generally allowed
  • Reasonable suspicion testing is lawful
  • Post-accident testing is permitted
  • Return-to-duty and follow-up testing are allowed
  • Employers may deny hiring or terminate for positive results
  • Employers may prohibit marijuana use and impairment at work
What you must do

Compliance requirements

  • Maintain written drug testing policies
  • Apply testing consistently and fairly
  • Use certified labs
  • Define impairment and safety standards
  • Follow federal rules for DOT and safety-sensitive industries

Colorado specifics

Colorado Employment Law and Marijuana

  • Courts have generally upheld employer zero-tolerance policies, including for lawful off-duty marijuana use (Coats v. Dish Network, 2015)

Cannabis

Colorado marijuana laws

Recreational · Legal

Recreational use

  • Legal for adults 21 and older
  • Personal possession and use allowed under state law
  • Public consumption restrictions apply
Medical · Legal

Medical use

  • Legal for qualified patients under Colorado law
At work

Workplace impact

  • Employers may still prohibit marijuana use and impairment at work
  • Positive THC tests may still affect employment decisions
  • Employers generally need not accommodate marijuana use
  • Federal contractors and DOT-regulated employers must follow federal drug laws
  • Safety-sensitive positions may face stricter testing standards

Best practices

Staying compliant in Colorado

Develop detailed written drug-free workplace policies
Define impairment standards and safety-sensitive roles
Stay current on Colorado cannabis law
Use certified providers
Apply testing procedures consistently
Follow applicable federal regulations

Our services

Testing services in Colorado

NTS provides accurate, confidential, and legally defensible testing through our nationwide collection network.

Urine drug testingHair follicle testingOral fluid (saliva) testingNail drug testingDOT drug and alcohol testingCourt-ordered testingRandom and pre-employment screening

Sources & legal references

  1. Colorado Revised Statutes
  2. Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement
  3. CDPHE Medical Marijuana Registry
  4. Coats v. Dish Network (2015)
  5. U.S. DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Regulations
  6. NCSL Marijuana Laws by State

Laws change often. This page is general information, not legal advice. Check official state agencies or consult legal counsel for current requirements.

← PreviousCalifornia All statesBack to map Next →Connecticut

Testing employees in Colorado?

Call the office to set up a compliant program, or schedule onsite collections.

Office601-602-2445 Onsite601-633-7733
Visit1520 Adeline St, Ste. 20, Hattiesburg, MS 39401