New Laws surrounding legalization of marijuana
With the legalization of recreational marijuana approaching quickly, there are some things you need to know.
“Adults now can possess up to an ounce of cannabis, they can also possess up to 8 g of concentrate on their person,” says Cannabis Connection host and director Christopher Carr.
January 1st, 2018 dispensaries can start selling recreational marijuana to people 21 and over. Some laws that come with this are similar to alcohol and tobacco, but there are other additions.
Like alcohol, you cannot smoke in a car or drive under the influence of marijuana. If you do, that could result in a DUI. You also cannot smoke or ingest in a public place.
“Consumption is something that should be at your residence, or somewhere safe. You’re not allowed to use it in public, you’re not to use it in a car,” says Carr.
Carr says advocated are working to change the Cannabis culture and are hoping California adapts like other states where smoking in some public places is appropriate and legal, “we’re working with local governments and finding ways to facilitate cannabis tourism, public consumption that is safe responsible and considerate to the community wherever it’s appropriate.”
New taxes will also be applied to the sale of marijuana, in some cities and counties they can reach as high as 30%. Carr says if you are using marijuana for medical purposes there is a way to get around those taxes, “if you still have a medical recommendation or a medical necessity I encourage you to visit the public health department or state recognized facility to to receive an official state medical ID card, without ID card you don’t have to pay these taxes.”
Additionally you cannot consume or have cannabis on federal lands such as national parks, even if it is in California. And you cannot take cannabis across state lines, even if you are traveling to another state where it is legal.
For more information you can visit the California Department of Public Health by clicking here.
Or to hear more from Christopher Carr and other experts click here.
