You get a dispensary badge in Colorado through the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED).
The official name is a MED Employee License.
The process has changed since I got mine.
Let’s take a look at how it works in 2026.
What Is a Colorado MED Badge?
A Colorado MED badge is the license you need to work in Colorado’s regulated marijuana industry.
You’ll also hear it called a dispensary badge, marijuana badge, or MED Employee License.
The Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division issues the license.
You can use it to work at licensed marijuana businesses throughout Colorado.
Where Do You Apply for a MED Badge in Colorado?
You apply for your MED Employee License through the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division.
The easiest way is to apply online through the MED licensing system.
You do not get your badge from a dispensary.
You also do not need an employer to apply for you.
The MED accepts applications online, by mail, or in person.
How to Get a Colorado MED Badge
Getting your MED badge is pretty straightforward once you know what you need.
1. Make Sure You Qualify
You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a Colorado MED Employee License.
You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID.
You do not have to be a Colorado resident.
However, your MED license can only be used in Colorado.
2. Complete the MED Employee License Application
Next, fill out the MED Employee License application through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
The application asks for information about your identity, address, licensing history, and criminal history.
Make sure everything is accurate before you submit it.
3. Complete the Background Check
This part changed in 2026.
When I got my MED badge, I had to go get fingerprinted.
Most employee applicants now go through a name-based judicial record check instead.
The MED can still require fingerprints in some situations.
4. Pay the MED Application Fee
A new Colorado MED Employee License costs $170.
That includes a $130 application fee and a $40 license fee.
You can check the current fees on the MED website before you apply.
5. Submit Your Application
You can submit your MED application online through the state’s licensing system.
You can also submit a hard-copy application by mail or in person.
Double-check everything before you submit it.
The MED will not process an incomplete application.
6. Wait for MED to Review Your Application
Once you submit your application, the MED will review it.
They will also review your background check.
If they need more information, they will contact you.
Once your application is approved, you will receive your MED Employee License.
Do You Still Need Fingerprints for a Colorado MED Badge?
For most MED Employee License applicants, no.
Colorado changed the background-check rules in 2026.
Most employees now go through a name-based judicial record check.
Before 2026, employees generally had to complete a fingerprint-based background check.
That is what I had to do when I got my MED badge.
I went to an approved location and had my fingerprints taken.
The MED can still require fingerprints if there is an investigative need.
Can You Get a Colorado MED Badge With a Criminal Record?
Yes, depending on your criminal history.
Having a criminal record does not automatically stop you from getting a MED badge.
The current MED application has a three-year felony restriction.
You cannot get a license if you were convicted of a felony within the last three years.
You also cannot get one if you are currently serving a felony sentence.
That includes probation, parole, or a deferred judgment or sentence.
You may also have to disclose felony arrests, charges, and convictions from the previous three years.
If you answer yes, the MED may ask you for court documents showing how the case was resolved.
When I applied for my MED badge, I had a criminal record for marijuana and was still able to get licensed.
If you are unsure whether your record will affect your application, contact the MED before you pay the application fee.
Can You Work While Your MED License Is Pending?
Yes.
Colorado changed this rule in 2026.
Most employee applicants can now start working while their MED license application is pending.
Your application still has to go through the MED review process.
If the MED denies your application, you can no longer work in a position that requires the license.
How Long Is a Colorado MED Badge Good For?
A Colorado MED Employee License is valid for two years.
You will need to renew it before it expires.
The MED will not send you a renewal application, so it is your job to keep track of your expiration date.
Don’t let it expire.
If your license expires for even one day, you have to submit a new application.
You will also have to pay the new license fee.
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