For the first time in California’s state history, the consumption of recreational marijuana is now open to anyone above the age of 21. Whether you’re a longtime marijuana smoker or someone who is interested in trying it for the first time, everyone has questions about the rules and regulations attached to California’s recreational marijuana laws.
Age Limits
California is the largest state thus far in U.S. history to legalize the use of recreational marijuana, which is open to both residents and visitors all over the age of 21. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, making it no surprise that they’d pass this landmark referendum.
Prior to passing the of legal use of recreational marijuana, the use of medical marijuana was strictly limited to California residents who had a doctor’s certification — but gone are those days.
No one under the age of 21 is permitted to enter a marijuana dispensary, and all marijuana purchases must be sold in child-proof containers to prevent accidental ingestion by minors or babies.
This makes sense because there have been many documented cases of nicotine e-liquid used in vaping that has been accidentally spilled or ingested by children, making e-liquids required by law to have child-proof containers. A law that wasn’t around in the early days of non-regulatory days.
Purchase Limits
So, how much can you expect to walk away with? Don’t expect to walk into a dispensary and stock up on enough marijuana to last you half your lifetime. One ounce, or roughly 28 grams, is what you can get. That’s still a good amount of marijuana, so don’t be discouraged!
Buyers should be aware that they are purchasing the marijuana from a licensed store for personal use. California understands that not all neighboring states are marijuana-friendly and by limiting the amount users can purchase, they are doing their part in preventing the marijuana sold in California from crossing state lines.
But, if you’re the ambitious type, the new law does allow you to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal consumption.
Don’t Transport it, Watch Where You Smoke it
California has strict public place smoking laws already on the books that extends from cigarette smoking to marijuana use. State law prohibits smoking in public parks, hotels, and workplaces; it’s also illegal to smoke marijuana and drive.
Marijuana sold in California must be consumed within the confines of the state and cannot, under any circumstances, cross the border. So, no — you can’t buy marijuana in California and drive back to Nevada with it. If your state or local police pull you over and find some in your car, California’s laws are no longer there to protect you. Meaning, you can face possession charges. So, your best bet is it enjoy it within the state of California.
However, there is one exception to the carrying rule: airports. Although recreational use was passed in California (the state level), use at the federal/national level is still illegal. So, don’t bring marijuana into the airport, even if you’re in California. Airports are federally regulated spaces, and if TSA agents find you are carrying, it will be confiscated. They may even call local police and try to charge you with possession.
To Be Continued…
Stay Tuned for Part II of our Legalization in California
- Legalization in California, Part 2 - April 10, 2018
- Top 5 Things to do in Boston - April 6, 2018
- Legalization in California, Part 1 - April 3, 2018
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