By April Marie Dowling for Kush Tourism
Marijuana laws are volatile and constantly changing, so it’s in your best interest to stay up to date with the facts and laws. Even in a liberal state like California, you will want to remain informed on state legislature regarding marijuana as this can provide peace of mind knowing you are consuming within your rights and limits. Below are five basic pieces of information you need to know about marijuana in California.
1) Marijuana On the Ballot
While medical marijuana is currently legal in California, the recreational use of weed is not. On November eighth of this year, Californians will be able to vote on the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA). If passed, adults over the age of 21 will be able to legally purchase marijuana. See Yeson64.org
2) AUMA Approval Rate
According to a Probolsky Research poll taken in February of 2016, sixty percent of California residents plan on voting in favor of legalizing adult marijuana for recreational use. Most of the support (80 percent) is from younger people between 18 and 34 years old and self-identified democrats (nearly 70 percent).
3) Medical Marijuana
If you are a California resident, you can legally purchase medical marijuana as long as you have a Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC). Specific doctors in California are able to recommend these cards to patients with serious illness such as glaucoma and cancer. To obtain a medical card, patients are responsible for filling out the application form and paying the application fee, which varies by county. The card is valid for one year, then must be renewed each year thereafter using the same process as initially.
4) Current Penalty for Possession
Although not as stiff as many other states, California still penalizes for recreational marijuana consumption. You will not receive any jail time for possession of 28.5 grams of weed or less, but you are subject to paying up to a $100 fine. If you’re caught with over 28.5 grams, you could be looking at a misdemeanor, which carries up to six months of jail time and $500 fine. Penalties are increased if you’re found in possession of weed on school property.
5) Legalization Efforts
Major initiatives for the legalization of recreational marijuana in California are being lead by organizations such as the Marijuana Policy Project of California, Los Angeles County
Democrats, California State NAACP, Californians for Sensible Reform, and Drug Policy Action just to name a few. California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom supports the state’s legalization efforts.
