Exploring the Legalization of Marijuana in California [2023]

California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana or cannabis in 1996. Following this, right in front of the eyes, other states also legalize the medical use of cannabis. It would not be wrong to say California led the USA in legalizing medicinal marijuana. But if we talk about recreational use, Washington and Colorado beat California and became the first states to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in 2012. California permitted cannabis for recreational use in 2016.

Under cannabis law in California, patients who meet specific requirements can obtain and use marijuana legally with a valid marijuana or cannabis card. Issued by the state in collaboration with licensed healthcare professionals, a medical marijuana card in California is a card that allows a person to buy marijuana for medical purposes. For recreational purposes, adults over 21 can use and possess cannabis. They can also give cannabis to other adults without exchange for payment, as selling cannabis is still illegal in California.

Legislation (Is Weed Legal in California?)

California marijuana laws changed drastically with the legalization of medical marijuana in 1996 after voters approved the Compassionate Use Act, also known as Prop 215. In 2003, Senate Bill 420 expanded protections by launching a state ID card program for medical cannabis patients.

Once again, on November 8, 2016, The state’s marijuana laws drastically relaxed for recreational use of marijuana after voters approved Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Under this law, adults 21 and over may purchase, possess, and consume up to 28.5 grams of marijuana in their private residence for non-medical purposes.

Where is it safe to consume?

California state law prohibits consuming any form of marijuana or cannabis in public and on publicly owned buildings or land. You are legally allowed to smoke on private property. However, property owners may ban the use and possession of marijuana on their properties. Onsite consumption is permitted inside businesses or workplaces that hold a commercial cannabis consumption license.

Consumption in a motor vehicle or bicycle is not allowed, neither while driving nor while sitting behind. Moreover, smoking cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school or educational institution is illegal. It is illegal to take your marijuana across state lines, even if you are moving to another state where the state allows cannabis.

Possession

It is legal in California for individuals over 21 years of age to possess, purchase, or give away up to an ounce of cannabis, or 28.35 grams of cannabis, and up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrate. Adults can also cultivate up to six mature cannabis plants. A patient with a valid medical marijuana card can possess up to 8 ounces (226.8 grams) of dried cannabis or concentrates and grow up to six mature or twelve immature plants. In addition, if patients require more plants, they need to show a recommendation letter by their doctor to a law enforcement officer. Patients may grow more plants according to their medical needs.

Registry

The state launched the Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP) to regulate the patient cannabis card with a registry to verify qualified patients and their primary caregivers. To apply for a marijuana card, an individual must have a recommendation letter from a licensed healthcare professional. Generally, these cards are valid for up to one year.

Since recreational marijuana is legal in California, adults over 21 years of age can buy it without a medical marijuana card. But the card has its benefits. They can possess, cultivate, and use more cannabis than without the cardholder. Cannabis cardholders are also exempt from paying sales taxes on marijuana purchases.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana Card in California

Under the California Compassionate Use Act of 1996, the people of California have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes. Where that medical use is appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that the person’s health would benefit from the use of marijuana in the treatment of

• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Anorexia
• Arthritis
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Glaucoma
• Migraine
• Severe nausea
• Persistent muscle spasms
• And Seizures

How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in California?

Getting a medical cannabis card in California is simple and easy. All you need to follow these steps:

1. To get started, fill out a simple form on GreenPot MD and schedule an appointment.
2. At your appointment, let your doctor know about the medical conditions you would like to treat with marijuana. If doctors agree with you, they will write you a recommendation letter with a patient ID code that registers you with the California Medical Marijuana Program.
3. After receiving your letter, apply for a California-issued medical marijuana identification card. It can take up to two weeks for the health department to issue your medical marijuana ID card.

Caregiving

Patients using medical cannabis may designate a primary caregiver. A primary caregiver must be 18 years old and consistently assume responsibility for the patient’s health, housing, or safety. Applying for caregivers is the same as applying for a cannabis card. A caregiver can serve more than one patient so long as the primary caregiver lives in the same city or county as the patients they serve.

A primary caregiver cannot apply for a cannabis card. The patient must apply for the desired caregiver. The fee for caregiving registration varies by state. Caregiver registration is valid for the same duration as the patient’s MMJ card, i.e., one year.

Reciprocity

California doesn’t recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Still, the state allows non-resident adults with valid forms or federal IDs to purchase marijuana for medical and recreational use.

Conclusion

Since medical and recreational use of marijuana is legal in California, many laws are associated with them. However, for the use of marijuana solely for medical purposes, you need a marijuana card. People with valid MMJ cards have more benefits than those without. GreenPot MD helps many patients in the United States to treat their illnesses. Reach us to learn more and book an appointment now!