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Cannabis Laws & Regulations in California

Publish on July 15, 2022

Update on October 1st, 2022 at 08:01 pm

California's Cannabis Laws And Regulations

California’s cannabis laws have undergone several changes since it was legalized for medical use in 1996 through the “Compassionate Use Act.” Part of these changes was 2016’s Proposition 64, or the Adult Use Of Marijuana Act (AUMA), which made the use of marijuana for recreational purposes legal in California.

The rules and regulations seem to be evolving fast by the day, so we’ve made a list of what the California cannabis laws look like so that you can be conversant with them. However, note that the list below is not a compilation of California cannabis law. However, if you’re interested in the full compilation, you can check it out here.

A Summary of California Marijuana Laws

Is Cannabis Legal in California?

Yes, cannabis is legal for adults to use and for people who need it for medical reasons in California.

How Do I Get Certified For Medical Cannabis in California?

With Medical Marijuana Cards California, you can get your medical cannabis card online in California. Just create an account today and give our HIPAA-secure platform some basic information.

Then, we’ll put you in touch with a medical marijuana doctor in California who will do a virtual consultation. If you’re approved, you’ll receive your recommendation letter via email. In California, you’ll also get a hard copy with a gold seal in the mail. You can buy medical marijuana with either a digital copy or a paper copy.

There is no need to register with the California state government. Start your CA medical marijuana application form here to sign up with the California Department of Cannabis Control and get a real ID card for medical marijuana.

In California, you must be 18 or older to get a medical marijuana identification card (MMIC). With permission from a parent or guardian, a person under the age of 18 can get a Medical Marijuana Card in California.

Get your medical marijuana card now!

Connect with a licensed physician online in minutes.

Is it possible to get a medical cannabis consultation via telemedicine in California?

Yes, a doctor can certify you online for the first time or to renew your certification.

Is it legal in California to grow marijuana?

For people with a medical card, the standard is 6 plants, but they can get licenses to grow up to 99 plants if they need to.

For recreational users 6 plants only.

Does California accept out-of-state cards?

California does not recognize other states’ medical marijuana cards, and thus does not have reciprocity. However, out-of-state patients may apply for the CA medical marijuana program.

Medical marijuana patients' qualifying conditions

Here are the qualifying medical conditions for participation in California’s Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP):

Visit California’s state page to learn more about how to obtain a medical card.

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis cardholders in California?

In California, a worker will not lose their job just because they have a medical marijuana card. Employers can fire workers who test positive for using marijuana, even if it is medical marijuana. Prop. 64 says that employers can keep their workplaces free of drugs.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in California?

In all states with medical marijuana programs, the only way to buy medical cannabis products is from a licensed dispensary, pharmacy, or other legal places to buy cannabis. Only people who have a license from the government can sell cannabis. In California, a licensed dispensary is the best place to buy marijuana.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in California?

You can enjoy your cannabis while you’re in your home or on private property. You’re not allowed to use cannabis in public places like canteens, restaurants, or bars.

You cannot:

  • Smoke cannabis anywhere it is specified that there should be no smoking of tobacco.
  • Smoke cannabis near a school, daycare, or anywhere kids are; you must be at least 1000 feet away from their premises.

Also, property owners can choose to not allow the use of cannabis on their property. When you purchase any property, ensure that you go through the contract and agreement form to see if there are any such rules. because you can be sued if you violate the rule.

Some hotels do not allow guests to smoke marijuana on their premises, and some talk less about their rooms. Before you book a room in a hotel, enquire about their hotel policy from the reception office. If it’s a vacation rental, inquire about their property policy and make sure you adhere strictly to it, especially when it comes to cannabis use.

Cannabis is still prohibited under federal law, which means there are many things you can’t do at will, which includes:

  • You cannot possess or use cannabis on federal lands, like national parks.
  • You cannot move cannabis across state lines.

Growing Cannabis At Home

You cannot grow cannabis at home until you’re over the age of 21. Some countries have specific laws that guide the growing of cannabis at home. For instance, you have to request a permit to plant cannabis indoors. You can learn more about this from the local office close to you.

Driving with Cannabis

You cannot travel with an open container of cannabis. You can get arrested for that because it’s illegal. If you’re going to travel with cannabis in your vehicle, then it should be:

  • Sealed or packaged in a container.
  • It should be in the trunk of the vehicle.

If you’re being pulled over by law enforcement and they find an open container of cannabis in your car, you can be subjected to a sobriety test. because you’re already considered a suspect for driving under the influence of cannabis.

How to buy Cannabis

Before you can sell cannabis or be a cannabis retailer, you must first be licensed by the DCC.

As a licensed retailer, you’re guided by rules that:

  • You mustn’t sell cannabis to minors.
  • You must make sure all products are tested.
  • Ensure that the label has the accurate amount of THC and CBD on it.

Regardless of this, you’ll still find retailers without licenses selling untested cannabis. Untested cannabis can have:

  • Mold
  • Harmful chemicals
  • Pesticides
  • Mycotoxins

How to find a licensed retailer

To find a licensed cannabis retailer, use the DCC license search. When you find one, you can:

  • Order online for in-store pickup.
  • Order online for delivery.
  • Visit a store

Retailers are mandated to put their state license on full display in places like their windows so that all can see it. There’s a QR code on the license certificate. You can scan it to verify the status of the retailer.

Although weed is legal in California, you can still get in trouble with the law if you do certain things, like:

  1. Before you can qualify for the use of medicinal marijuana, you must be 18 or older. Minors are only allowed to use it in particular conditions. Also, only adults over 21 years old are allowed to have marijuana. Those under 21 years of age can be fined for possession of marijuana if it’s not medically licensed.
  1. Having more than the legal amount in your possession can put you in trouble. In California, anyone found with more than 28.5 grams of cannabis in their possession or 8 grams of potent cannabis in their possession will be punished. Punishment could be imprisonment for up to 6 months or a fine of $500.
  1. Selling weed to others will get you in serious trouble, primarily if you’re not licensed. It is not illegal to give someone marijuana, but selling marijuana in exchange for money is considered illegal.
  1. Smoking weed in public is illegal. You can be asked to pay a fine if you’re caught smoking in public, especially in places where there’s zero tolerance for tobacco smoking. You could be asked to pay a fine of $100 or $250.

Note: This article’s content is provided for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or queries regarding laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult a lawyer, physician, or other licensed practitioner.

Medical Marijuana Cards California logo

You can get a medical marijuana ID card with a physician’s recommendation. If you have one, your cannabis purchases are exempt from sales and use tax. Medical marijuana ID cards are valid for up to one year. Both patients and their primary caregivers can get a card.