No, chopping down a cactus isn’t a quirky “weird property law” in Colorado—it’s a serious violation tied to environmental protection statutes. The myth exaggerates real regulations protecting native cacti on public lands and certain protected species. Private property owners face fewer restrictions, but penalties apply for protected plants.
Key Cactus Protections
Colorado enforces strict rules against harvesting native cacti from state, federal, or BLM lands without permits, as wild collection threatens endangered species like the Colorado hookless cactus (recently proposed for delisting). Violators risk fines up to $5,000 or jail time under wildlife laws, though no specific “chopping cactus” statute mandates prison for all cases.
Public vs. Private Land
On private property, you can generally remove non-protected cacti, but check local zoning or HOA rules; protected species require permits regardless. Psychedelic cacti like San Pedro are decriminalized for personal cultivation under Proposition 122 (since 2023), but peyote remains federally illegal.
Comparison to Neighboring States
| State | Penalty for Illegal Harvest | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Fines/jail on public land | Native/protected |
| Arizona | Up to 25 years (felony) | Saguaro, all native |
SOURCES
[1](https://www.sanpedrosource.com/blogs/the-source-blog/colorados-proposition-122-a-guide-to-psychedelic-plant-laws-in-2023)
[2](https://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44406)
[3](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/29/2025-09692/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-removal-of-colorado-hookless-cactus-from-the-list-of)
[4](https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2023-04/protections-no-longer-needed-colorado-hookless-cactus)
[5](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1253503232075082/posts/2007452713346793/)
