Cannabis is legal in California for both medicinal and adult (recreational) use. In order to purchase cannabis, you must be either 18 years or older with a physician’s recommendation for medicinal use, or 21 years or older for adult use. However, it is important to note that cities and counties in California may enforce stricter cannabis laws than the state. To stay informed about the cannabis rules in your specific area, it is advisable to visit your city or county’s official website.
The Compassionate Use Act, passed by voters in 1996, made California the first state to legalize medicinal cannabis use. The cannabis industry in California is now strictly regulated to ensure safe business operations, and that products are free of contaminants and properly labeled to inform consumers. For adults aged 21 or older, it is legal to use, carry, and grow cannabis in California. Additionally, from January 1, 2018, buying cannabis without a current physician’s recommendation or a county-issued medical marijuana identification card became legal for adults 21 or older. Medicinal cannabis use remains legal for individuals with a current physician’s recommendation.
The Department of Cannabis Control in California oversees the cannabis laws and ensures compliance with state regulations. Their website provides resources and information on cannabis recalls, safety notices, running a cannabis business in California, cannabis equity, and more. The Department works closely with licensees to address compliance issues and conducts routine inspections to uphold integrity in the cannabis market. When violations are identified, the Department provides guidance to resolve the issues and ensure adherence to state laws.
For those interested in learning more about cannabis laws, licenses, and regulations in California, the Department of Cannabis Control website is a valuable resource. Californians can use the website to search by city or county to find out which jurisdictions permit licensed cannabis businesses and where consumers can access safe, legal, and tested cannabis products.
Packaging requirements for cannabis goods are also regulated by the state. Cannabis products must be packaged in child-resistant, tamper-evident, and resealable containers. If the product is an edible cannabis item, the packaging must also be opaque. The Department of Cannabis Control provides guidelines to help businesses understand and comply with these packaging requirements.
Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom signed several measures to further strengthen California’s cannabis laws, expand the legal cannabis market, and address the negative impacts of cannabis prohibition. This progress reflects the state’s commitment to creating a vibrant and lawful cannabis market that benefits all Californians.
For additional information and resources, including FAQs and fact sheets, the California Department of Public Health and the Department of Cannabis Control websites are helpful resources. Ensuring compliance with state law is crucial for anyone involved in the cannabis industry in California.
