Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is legal in California, and individuals can purchase it under certain conditions. If you are 18 or older with a physician’s recommendation, you can buy cannabis for medicinal use. For adult use, you must be 21 or older. However, it is crucial to note that cities and counties in California may have stricter cannabis laws than the state. Therefore, you should check your local city or county website to learn about the specific rules in your area. The regulations differ for medicinal users and adult users, highlighting the need for awareness and compliance with local laws.
Marijuana refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. This plant contains more than 100 compounds, or cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has impairing effects, and cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have such effects. Despite its legalization in various states, marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act at the federal level, a category for substances considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, putting it on par with drugs like heroin.
California has been at the forefront of cannabis legalization, becoming the first state to allow medicinal cannabis use when voters passed the Compassionate Use Act in 1996. Today, the state has legalized cannabis for both medicinal and adult (recreational) use. The cannabis industry in California is strictly regulated to ensure safe operation of businesses, and to guarantee that products are contaminant-free and accurately labeled.
There are various ways to use marijuana, including smoking it in joints, blunts, or bongs, or infusing it into food and drinks. Regardless of its legal status and methods of consumption, it is important to be aware of the potential negative effects and risks associated with marijuana use. As more states legalize cannabis, research on its benefits and risks is gradually increasing, although it remains restricted due to its federal classification.
California’s cannabis laws
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Marijuana
President Biden on Marijuana Reform
Department of Cannabis Control on Cannabis Laws
Frequently Asked Questions on Marijuana
DEA on Marijuana
Cannabis (Marijuana) – NYC Health
The Federal Status of Marijuana
SAMHSA on Marijuana
