4/20 is Monday. California Cannabis Control shares what marijuana laws to know
Monday, April 20 will mark the ninth annual “4/20” holiday with recreational marijuana legal in California.
Though adults over 21 are allowed to recreationally use the still-federally illicit substance, the state still regulates various aspects of consumption, possession and sales of marijuana plants and products.
Ahead of this year’s 4/20 holiday, the California Department of Cannabis Control has shared tips to ensure users are lighting up safely and legally.
Here’s what you should know if you plan to smoke, ingest or in any other way consume marijuana during the holiday.
What are California’s laws for using recreational marijuana?
In the State of California, adults over 21 or 18 with a licensed physician’s recommendation can purchase, possess and consume cannabis and cannabis products, according to DCC.
Legal consumers may only possess up to 28.5 grams — roughly 1 ounce — of cannabis flower and up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis in the form of vaporized oil, edible products or other concentrates.
Marijuana products may only be used on private property, and property owners can ban usage in rental units, hotels and other properties.
While cannabis usage in public places is broadly outlawed, there are specific rules barring usage in places where it’s also illegal to smoke tobacco and within 1,000 feet of a school, day care or youth center while children are present.
Cannabis may be in a vehicle so long as it is either in a sealed container or is in the vehicle’s trunk.
As marijuana is still federally illegal, adults are not allowed to possess or use cannabis on federal land such as national parks, and cannabis cannot be taken across state lines, even to another state where it is legal.
Can I grow marijuana in California?
Rules on production and sale of cannabis vary across local governments in California.
For example, in Sacramento County, marijuana can only be grown indoors and is limited to six plants per unit. Each city in the county has slightly different rules on plant sizes and whether growers must be registered.
Check your city and county laws to ensure your plants do not violate local ordinances. Medicinal users may have higher limits, depending on a physician’s recommendations.
Commercial operations in California, including dispensaries and manufacturing facilities, must be licensed by DCC to operate.
Though recreational and medicinal cannabis is legal throughout California, fewer than half of cities and counties in the state actually permit cannabis businesses to operate. The DCC website has an interactive map that shows where legal, licensed marijuana businesses may operate.
The department highly recommends users only purchase cannabis from these licensed operations, as they are required to test and track their products for safety.
Where can I find resources on cannabis usage in California?
The DCC has various resources online for consumers and producers to know their rights and state regulations regarding cannabis in California.
Consumers can find webpages with information on state usage laws, tips for responsible usage, a database of cannabis recalls and more.
The department also launched the Real California Cannabis campaign, which educates consumers on the importance of only using products from licensed dispensaries and the safety risks of purchasing unregulated marijuana.
The campaign’s website offers a tool for finding licensed dispensaries throughout the state.
New and current producers can also find resources on the DCC website, which helps navigate applying for a license, remaining compliant, understanding cannabis labor laws and more.
