Is cannabis legal in California? Yes, but it’s not a free-for-all.
Although the illicit cannabis marketplace continues to dominate the legal space, the legal cannabis industry is thriving. New cannabinoids like Delta 9 THC are even emerging as some regions in the state have banned cannabis sales.
As in many other states, California’s adult-use (recreational) market has caused its medical market to suffer with product shortages and exorbitant prices.
Although there are some criticisms regarding the legal marijuana industry in California, overall, it appears that things are moving in the right direction for Californians. Particularly, for consumers.
Cannabis testing is becoming increasingly common. So, for now, Californians are gaining access to safer products than ever before.
However, many still go to the illicit market. They’re tempted by the cheaper prices, even with the elevated risk.
Keep reading to learn more about cannabis legality in California.
California Cannabis Laws & Regulations
After becoming the first state to permit medicinal cannabis use in 1996 through the Compassionate Use Act, California has been making tremendous progress establishing its legal cannabis marketplace. Through this market, the state wants to ensure:
- Cannabis businesses are operating with safety in mind
- Marijuana products are free of contaminants and labeled to inform consumers
- Cannabis products don’t make their way into children’s hand
Through the state’s statutes, regulations, and ordinances, it focuses on setting rules that businesses and consumers must obey.
California Department of Cannabis Control Regulations
The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is responsible for regulating cannabis business operations. These regulations outline:
- What business operators need to submit when they apply for licensure
- Regulations for cannabis businesses to follow
- What’s permitted to become a cannabis product, including which ingredient may and may not be utilized
- Packing requirements that ensure contamination does not happen and keeps consumers informed about what the products contain
- The testing demands for products before they can be sold to consumers
- Enforcement actions that encourage businesses to adhere to regulations
Is Cannabis Legal in San Francisco?
Now that cannabis is legal for adult use in California, many wonder what’s it’s like in San Francisco, in particular. For those visiting San Francisco, these are the rules and regulations in place:
- Anyone looking to possess, buy, or use recreational cannabis must be 21 years of age or older. Whether vaping, eating, or smoking cannabis products.
- Adults can legally possess cannabis up to 28.5 grams of flower and up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrate.
- No one is allowed to offer cannabis to underage people. This includes giving or selling it.
- Driving while high on cannabis is illegal.
- Consuming, smoking, eating, and vaping cannabis in public is prohibited. It’s also illegal to open cannabis packaging in public.
- Consuming cannabis at other locations where smoking is prohibited is also illegal. This includes restaurants, buildings open to the public, bars, places of employment, and areas that are 15 feet or less from ventilation openings and doors.
- Despite cannabis legalization in California, it’s illegal to possess or consume cannabis on federal property. This includes national parks in California.
- Cannabis consumption on private property is allowed. But only if the property owners or landlords allow it.
- Bringing cannabis across state lines is still illegal. So, if you plan to travel outside of the state, leave your weed behind.
- Selling retail cannabis products is only permitted by state licensed businesses.
Closing on Cannabis Legality in California 2022
So, as you can see, cannabis legality in California is a complex web of rules and regulations. While there are many things that are still prohibited, such as driving while high, there are also many allowances for adults 21 and older.
As the state continues to develop and regulate its cannabis marketplace, these rules and regulations are likely to change. Make sure to stay up to date so you don’t run into any trouble while enjoying California’s legalized cannabis marketplace!
