California recreational cannabis regulations: Back on January 1st of this year, recreational cannabis became legal in the state of California. The state is now home to the US's largest cannabis market. While it may be technically 'legal' to purchase marijuana now, it doesn't mean that there aren't local laws in place to dictate its distribution.
Let's take a closer look at the regulations and intricacies of the recreational cannabis market in California.
California Recreational Cannabis Regulations
Who can buy pot legally in California?
If you are 21 or older, you are able to buy and possess up to a little over an ounce (28.5 grams) of marijuana without a card. Individuals 21 and over can also have 8 grams of cannabis concentrate and up to six live plants within their possession.
You will need a valid ID or driver's license to purchase the cannabis. Most dispensaries within California do not accept checks or credit cards.
Pot shops have strict laws mandated by the state and do not run between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
What is available for purchase?
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Dried Marijuana
- Also called bud, leaf, or flower, dried marijuana is generally sold in increments from an eighth of an ounce to an ounce, or sold by the gram. Its price generally varies by its strain.
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Hash
- Hash is created by the extraction of the THC-rich resin from the plant by using ice water or compression.
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Concentrates
- A concentrate is any product that is created through an extraction process. Cannabinoids are separated from the actual plant, leaving a much strong substance than just the flower.
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Some concentrates are high in THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana; others contain high amounts of CBD, which is used mostly for its therapeutic effects.
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CO2 Oil
- CO2 oil is created when cannabinoids are separated from the dried plant using carbon dioxide and pressure. CO2 oil is often sold in vaporizer cartridges or the disposable vaporizer pens.
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Butane Hash Oil
- Butane hash oil is created when the cannabinoids are extracted using Butane. BHO is extremely potent and amber in color.
- It is sold mostly in small jars or wax paper wraps. It can be mixed with dried marijuana and smoked or vaporized.
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Edibles
- Cannabis-infused food products are sold in a variety of forms such as candies, snacks, and soft drinks. Items must contain less than 10 milligrams of THC per serving now.
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Topical Treatments
- There is a wide variety of cannabis-infused lotions, salves, and creams available on the market. The active ingredients are absorbed through the skin and are used for skin conditions, aches, and pains. These items generally do not have any psychoactive effects.
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Live Plants
- Consumers can purchase cannabis in the form of plants, seeds, or clones. They can cultivate them for personal use but must keep them out of view from any public place.
Is it taxed?
Depending on the county, recreational consumers pay a sales tax of 7.5-10% and a state excise tax of 15%.
On top of all these taxes, cities have begun adding on their own taxes.
Medical marijuana users with a physician-ordered card are exempt from sales tax, but other taxes still apply.
Where Can I Smoke?
Smoking cannabis, either medicinal or recreational, is still illegal in public places. Consuming any form of cannabis while sitting in the car as the driver or passenger is illegal. While traveling with legal cannabis in the car, it must be stored in the trunk or a sealed container.
You can consume cannabis on your private property unless smoking is prohibited. If you currently rent and your landlord has prohibited smoking in your unit, you're out of luck. Landlords also have the right to ban cannabis on their property.
What do you think about the California recreational cannabis regulations?
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Featured Image: succo via Pixabay
