Colorado § 18-18-413 - Authorized possession of controlled substances.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-18-413 — Authorized possession of controlled substances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-18-413. Authorized possession of controlled substances.
A person to whom or for whose use any controlled substance has been prescribed or dispensed by a practitioner may lawfully possess it, but only in the container in which it was delivered to him unless he is able to show that he is the legal owner or a person acting at the direction of the legal owner of the controlled substance. Any person convicted of violating this section commits a drug petty offense, and the court shall impose a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.
Source: L. 92: Entire article R&RE, p. 367, § 1, effective July 1. L. 2013: Entire section amended, (SB 13-250), ch. 333, p. 1923, § 22, effective October 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 18-18-109 as it existed prior to 1992.
ANNOTATION
The provision of this section allowing for possession of a controlled substance by "a person acting at the direction of the legal owner" applies only to the crime of possession as described in this section and not to any other crimes. People v. Gonzales, 2017 COA 62, 415 P.3d 846.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-18-413
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-18-413 cover?
Section 18-18-413 ("Authorized possession of controlled substances.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 18-18-413?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-18-413" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 18-18-413 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.